Gateshead Highway flyover update
Detailed preparations are being made for the demolition programme to take down the Gateshead Highway flyover, which has now been closed for six months.
Our highways team is working with specialist contractors and consultants to ensure every element of the demolition has been considered.
The flyover was built using post-tensioned reinforced concrete, and the 900m structure is made up of three independent sections, along with the two footbridges at the south end which stand separately, which are also of post-tensioned concrete construction.
The demolition programme must be very carefully designed to ensure the Metro tunnels, which run directly beneath the structure, are not disturbed or damaged during the work.
The method of demolition will vary for each section of the viaduct depending on the speed of demolition required and proximity to other buildings or structures such as the Metro tunnels.
Whilst the final demolition methods are still being decided, one option would involve cutting through whole spans of the structure to be moved away on 'self propelled modular transport' which are vehicles with sometimes hundreds of independent wheels.
This vehicle would move the severed sections off-site to be broken up into smaller pieces.
The two footbridges, which have an unusual design with three 'arms' suspended above the Five Bridges roundabout, may be demolished using explosives. Preparation work is being completed to ensure this is done safely and efficiently.
We have already moved to fell trees on the Park Lane roundabout, at the other end of the flyover, to allow demolition contractors to easily access the flyover structure.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"Detailed work is ongoing to prepare the demolition programme.
"We understand that the public want to see activity on site, but we have to get this project right, and ensure the structure is demolished in a controlled sequence that is safe for everyone, and also causes minimal disruption to the transport network.
"I'm grateful to council colleagues and our specialist contractors for their work to bring the programme forward, looking at best practice elsewhere in the country, and ensuring every aspect has been considered."
The flyover closed on 13 December last year, after a survey established some of the concrete piers supporting the structure were not safe.
Cabinet has approved moving ahead to demolition and made an £18m budget provision to pay for this. The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has also supported the programme.
We have been continuing to support the town centre throughout the period of the flyover being closed, with plans for a marketing campaign and our town centre manager is working alongside businesses and volunteers to improve the local environment.
Councillor Gannon added:
"To deliver a prosperous future for Gateshead and our residents, we need to take the opportunity of removing the flyover to attract inward investment.
"We cannot continue to spend money on a structure which is at the end of its life and expensive to repair. The flyover is an eyesore and we're taking the opportunity this closure has presented us with, to demolish the structure, to make Gateshead and the town centre more attractive for residents and businesses, visitors - and to those wishing to invest.
"We want to take this opportunity to bring a big change to Gateshead and boost our shared prosperity."
Detailed preparations are being made for the demolition programme to take down the Gateshead Highway flyover, which has now been closed for six months.
Our highways team is working with specialist contractors and consultants to ensure every element of the demolition has been considered.
The flyover was built using post-tensioned reinforced concrete, and the 900m structure is made up of three independent sections, along with the two footbridges at the south end which stand separately, which are also of post-tensioned concrete construction.
The demolition programme must be very carefully designed to ensure the Metro tunnels, which run directly beneath the structure, are not disturbed or damaged during the work.
The method of demolition will vary for each section of the viaduct depending on the speed of demolition required and proximity to other buildings or structures such as the Metro tunnels.
Whilst the final demolition methods are still being decided, one option would involve cutting through whole spans of the structure to be moved away on 'self propelled modular transport' which are vehicles with sometimes hundreds of independent wheels.
This vehicle would move the severed sections off-site to be broken up into smaller pieces.
The two footbridges, which have an unusual design with three 'arms' suspended above the Five Bridges roundabout, may be demolished using explosives. Preparation work is being completed to ensure this is done safely and efficiently.
We have already moved to fell trees on the Park Lane roundabout, at the other end of the flyover, to allow demolition contractors to easily access the flyover structure.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"Detailed work is ongoing to prepare the demolition programme.
"We understand that the public want to see activity on site, but we have to get this project right, and ensure the structure is demolished in a controlled sequence that is safe for everyone, and also causes minimal disruption to the transport network.
"I'm grateful to council colleagues and our specialist contractors for their work to bring the programme forward, looking at best practice elsewhere in the country, and ensuring every aspect has been considered."
The flyover closed on 13 December last year, after a survey established some of the concrete piers supporting the structure were not safe.
Cabinet has approved moving ahead to demolition and made an £18m budget provision to pay for this. The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has also supported the programme.
We have been continuing to support the town centre throughout the period of the flyover being closed, with plans for a marketing campaign and our town centre manager is working alongside businesses and volunteers to improve the local environment.
Councillor Gannon added:
"To deliver a prosperous future for Gateshead and our residents, we need to take the opportunity of removing the flyover to attract inward investment.
"We cannot continue to spend money on a structure which is at the end of its life and expensive to repair. The flyover is an eyesore and we're taking the opportunity this closure has presented us with, to demolish the structure, to make Gateshead and the town centre more attractive for residents and businesses, visitors - and to those wishing to invest.
"We want to take this opportunity to bring a big change to Gateshead and boost our shared prosperity."
