Gateshead Highway Flyover May Permanently Close, Council Leader Indicates

The A167 Gateshead Highway flyover, shut down on Friday due to safety concerns, might not reopen, according to a council leader. Its closure followed inspectors identifying significant issues with one of its concrete support pillars. Martin Gannon, a representative of Gateshead Council, informed BBC Radio Newcastle that the structure could be closed “permanently” if the damaged pillar proves irreparable, accelerating existing demolition plans. He stated, “We always knew, and probably have done for many years, that eventually that flyover has to come down.” He mentioned that the Labour-led council is awaiting assessments from structural engineers and expressed hope that stabilization work might be feasible. Metro services have also experienced disruptions, with trains operating at a slower pace within the Gateshead vicinity. Nexus confirmed that its tunnels are “directly underneath” the flyover and that these precautions would remain until additional evaluations are finalized. This situation arises amidst existing traffic challenges in the town, including the partial closure of the Tyne Bridge, which is currently undergoing restoration in anticipation of its centenary. Gannon noted that the flyover, constructed in the 1960s, required weekly routine inspections because of its age. He indicated that funding for its demolition was secured, with work initially planned to commence closer to the end of the current decade. Nevertheless, the recent problem might necessitate an earlier start. He commented, “It was going to be a major operation – to remove that flyover could be up to two years of work causing major disruption.” “We have to wait and see what the engineers say. Maybe that work can be done to stabilise it.” He continued, “However, if they say that pier is unsalvageable then it means the upper level will have to be closed, effectively permanently, and then we will have to decide what we will do with the under level.” Liberal Democrat Ron Beadle asserted that the council ought to have taken action earlier, having been aware of the road’s repair requirements for over a decade. He further stated that the primary focus should be on demolishing the flyover and restoring the A167 at ground level. The council indicated that it had previously received assurances that the flyover could remain in safe operation while a “longer-term” strategy was devised, and that any concerns had been managed through its “increased monitoring” efforts. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.