Next steps for Gateshead Highway flyover
Plans to demolish the Gateshead Highway flyover are being finalised as an important part of regenerating the area.
The flyover has now been closed for nearly six months, since December 13 last year, after a survey established key concrete pillars supporting the structure were not safe.
In March, the council's Cabinet gave approval to demolish the flyover. Preliminary work to prepare for demolition contractors arriving on site, will begin in June. Full demolition work will start in the autumn.
The council will continue to support the town centre throughout this period, with a shop local campaign and plans for new developments at the north end are also being driven forward with development partners.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "To make a real difference to Gateshead's future and the prosperity of our residents, we need to do something radical to attract inward investment. The flyover is an eyesore and isn't a structure that we need any more in terms of transport.
"We are taking the opportunity this closure has presented us with, to demolish the flyover, helping us make Gateshead and the town centre attractive for residents and businesses, as well as for visitors - and for investors.
"We want to keep our Gateshead pound local which in turn benefits our residents and our shared prosperity."
Other developments around the project to demolish the flyover have included:
- Extensive interim repairs carried out to the pillars which were failing, to ensure the safety of residents and those travelling around the flyover.
- The Sunderland Road bus lane and footpath re-opening.
- Trees have been felled on the Park Lane roundabout to allow demolition contractors to access the flyover.
- The demolition programme is being carefully designed to minimise disruption to key transport routes.
- Long term regeneration plans are being amended and developed, to ensure a brighter future for Gateshead, post-demolition.
- Plans are being worked on to relocate the well used Five Bridges skate park.
Plans to demolish the Gateshead Highway flyover are being finalised as an important part of regenerating the area.
The flyover has now been closed for nearly six months, since December 13 last year, after a survey established key concrete pillars supporting the structure were not safe.
In March, the council's Cabinet gave approval to demolish the flyover. Preliminary work to prepare for demolition contractors arriving on site, will begin in June. Full demolition work will start in the autumn.
The council will continue to support the town centre throughout this period, with a shop local campaign and plans for new developments at the north end are also being driven forward with development partners.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "To make a real difference to Gateshead's future and the prosperity of our residents, we need to do something radical to attract inward investment. The flyover is an eyesore and isn't a structure that we need any more in terms of transport.
"We are taking the opportunity this closure has presented us with, to demolish the flyover, helping us make Gateshead and the town centre attractive for residents and businesses, as well as for visitors - and for investors.
"We want to keep our Gateshead pound local which in turn benefits our residents and our shared prosperity."
Other developments around the project to demolish the flyover have included:
- Extensive interim repairs carried out to the pillars which were failing, to ensure the safety of residents and those travelling around the flyover.
- The Sunderland Road bus lane and footpath re-opening.
- Trees have been felled on the Park Lane roundabout to allow demolition contractors to access the flyover.
- The demolition programme is being carefully designed to minimise disruption to key transport routes.
- Long term regeneration plans are being amended and developed, to ensure a brighter future for Gateshead, post-demolition.
- Plans are being worked on to relocate the well used Five Bridges skate park.
