Bus lane to re-open after props removed
Vital construction work to support the Gateshead Highway flyover has now been completed and the east-west bus lane beneath the structure is set to re-open.
In January, Gateshead Council hired specialist contractors to encase two pillars (known as piers) in concrete, as an interim measure to enable the bus lane to re-open after the removal of the temporary props currently beneath the flyover's structure.
The council's longer-term plan remains to work towards demolition, subject to Cabinet approval.
The concrete work has taken several weeks to complete - and for the concrete to reach full strength.
The props have been removed this weekend and this should allow the re-opening of the Sunderland Road bus and cycle lane early this week, providing a more direct and level route to the town centre for buses, cyclists and pedestrians in the nearby housing.
The Council will continue to monitor the flyover structure closely.
Moving buses back on to the Sunderland Road bus lane means they will no longer need to use Five Bridges roundabout, which will help to improve reliability and help the drivers stay on timetable, and reduce the number of buses using the B1426.
Beyond the concrete reinforcing work, Gateshead Council and its specialist contractors and engineers are working to bring forward a plan to safely demolish the flyover, with a Cabinet report due imminently.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "Our contractors have done great work to progress this vital reinforcement work and enable the bus lane to be opened to traffic again.
"Our officers are continuing to talk to partners to bring forward a deliverable and funded plan not just for the roads, but for the regeneration of the town centre and wider area around the flyover."
The demolition project is very complicated given the design of the flyover and that it was built using post-tensioned concrete.
Councillor Gannon added: "We appreciate it is frustrating for residents and town centre businesses to have uncertainty around road transport, but I want to assure you our colleagues and partners are working hard to bring plans forward rapidly.
"As soon as we can provide more information, we will. Town centre shops and business remain open and we will do all we can to help them during this difficult time
"We know the retail sector nationwide is suffering difficult trading conditions just now, so we appreciate all business owners need support from their customers and the council to boost trade wherever possible.
"A high number of our town centre visitors arrive by public transport - both Metro and buses and on foot, so it's important we help public transport run smoothly too and open up a more direct pedestrian link."
Vital construction work to support the Gateshead Highway flyover has now been completed and the east-west bus lane beneath the structure is set to re-open.
In January, Gateshead Council hired specialist contractors to encase two pillars (known as piers) in concrete, as an interim measure to enable the bus lane to re-open after the removal of the temporary props currently beneath the flyover's structure.
The council's longer-term plan remains to work towards demolition, subject to Cabinet approval.
The concrete work has taken several weeks to complete - and for the concrete to reach full strength.
The props have been removed this weekend and this should allow the re-opening of the Sunderland Road bus and cycle lane early this week, providing a more direct and level route to the town centre for buses, cyclists and pedestrians in the nearby housing.
The Council will continue to monitor the flyover structure closely.
Moving buses back on to the Sunderland Road bus lane means they will no longer need to use Five Bridges roundabout, which will help to improve reliability and help the drivers stay on timetable, and reduce the number of buses using the B1426.
Beyond the concrete reinforcing work, Gateshead Council and its specialist contractors and engineers are working to bring forward a plan to safely demolish the flyover, with a Cabinet report due imminently.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "Our contractors have done great work to progress this vital reinforcement work and enable the bus lane to be opened to traffic again.
"Our officers are continuing to talk to partners to bring forward a deliverable and funded plan not just for the roads, but for the regeneration of the town centre and wider area around the flyover."
The demolition project is very complicated given the design of the flyover and that it was built using post-tensioned concrete.
Councillor Gannon added: "We appreciate it is frustrating for residents and town centre businesses to have uncertainty around road transport, but I want to assure you our colleagues and partners are working hard to bring plans forward rapidly.
"As soon as we can provide more information, we will. Town centre shops and business remain open and we will do all we can to help them during this difficult time
"We know the retail sector nationwide is suffering difficult trading conditions just now, so we appreciate all business owners need support from their customers and the council to boost trade wherever possible.
"A high number of our town centre visitors arrive by public transport - both Metro and buses and on foot, so it's important we help public transport run smoothly too and open up a more direct pedestrian link."
