A167 Flyover Closure in Gateshead Prompts Emergency Traffic Diversions

Emergency traffic diversions have been implemented in the Gateshead town centre area following the closure of the A167 flyover. The concrete bridge, constructed in the 1960s, was shut down on Friday due to engineers expressing “serious concerns” regarding specific parts of its structure. Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, stated that the flyover’s closure is expected to have an “enormous” effect on traffic flow. Information regarding the diversions and associated road closures has been made public and will remain active as additional inspections of the bridge are conducted. A spokesperson for the council confirmed: “The whole of the flyover is closed.” The roadway situated beneath the flyover is also closed, specifically between the Park Lane roundabout (which intersects with the A184 Felling bypass) and the Five Bridges roundabout (at the junction with the B1426 Sunderland Road). The two roundabouts located underneath the flyover are still accessible, following confirmation from consultant engineers that it is safe to keep them open. Vehicles are able to proceed in an east/west direction between the A184 Felling bypass and the Tyne Bridge to the A1. Nevertheless, scheduled overnight work will necessitate further closures, which are outlined subsequently. Additional details are available on Gateshead Council’s One Network map. A specific diversion route has been established for vehicles that typically use the flyover’s upper level. Drivers are instructed to exit the Five Bridges roundabout onto the A1426, heading towards Gateshead town centre, then make a left turn onto Arthur Street, passing the civic centre, and subsequently turn right onto Prince Consort Road. From Prince Consort Road, drivers should take the third exit at the roundabout to Charles Street, prior to turning left back onto Gateshead Highway. During the ongoing maintenance inspections of the flyover bridge, the Park Lane roundabout is scheduled for closure from 19:00 GMT on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday. Motorists intending to use this roundabout will be rerouted onto Gateshead High Street. Vehicles will be guided parallel to the flyover until reaching Eastgate, at which point they must cross the A167 in the direction of Gateshead College and Hawks Road. Subsequently, drivers will turn right onto Quarryfield Road, then make another right turn onto Albany Road, eventually merging onto the A184 Park Road. The Five Bridges roundabout, also known as Sunderland Road roundabout, is slated for closure on Monday from 20:00 until 06:00 on Tuesday. Traffic approaching from Sunderland Road will be redirected onto the B1296 Old Durham Road. Drivers are then to turn right onto Valley Drive and proceed across the intersection with Dryden Road. They should continue along Valley Drive before making a right turn onto the A167 Durham Road. These diversions will guide motorists past the Five Bridges roundabout and into the central area of Gateshead.