3 July 2026
Commuters who normally travel to and from Newcastle through the centre of Gateshead are being urged to use a different route when the Park Lane roundabout closes later this month.
The closure, which begins on Saturday 25 July, is the most complex stage of the Gateshead Highway flyover demolition programme. Work will be taking place 24-hours a day, seven days a week so it can be completed in the shortest possible time and has been timed to coincide with the school holidays when traffic levels are usually lower.
The near four week closure is due to finish on Friday 21 August.
Drivers making through journeys are being asked to plan alternative routes and avoid travelling through Gateshead town centre during the closure.
While through traffic is being urged to stay away from Gateshead town centre during the closure, the town centre will remain open for business. Shops, restaurants, attractions and services will continue to welcome visitors throughout the closure period, alongside an exciting programme of summer events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Neil Wilkinson, interim service director for planning and transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"This is the most complex and challenging phase of the demolition programme and there will be significant disruption on the road network.
"Our key message is simple. If you're not travelling to Gateshead town centre, please avoid travelling through it while Park Lane roundabout is closed.
"The diversion routes are there to maintain access for residents, businesses and visitors. They are not intended to carry the usual volume of commuter traffic that passes through this part of Gateshead every day.
"At the same time, Gateshead remains very much open for business. Our shops, businesses, restaurants, venues and attractions will continue to welcome visitors throughout the closure period, and there will be a fantastic programme of activities and events taking place across the town centre during the summer."
People travelling into Gateshead are encouraged to consider public transport wherever possible to help reduce congestion, as well as park and ride, car sharing, or walking and cycling for shorter trips.
Drivers making through journeys should plan ahead and use the strategic road network, including the A1, A19 and Tyne Tunnel, rather than travelling through the closure area.
The council is also continuing to work closely with residents living closest to the demolition works, including those who have been offered the option of temporary alternative accommodation during the closure period.
Before the full closure begins, there will be a week of overnight closures, starting Monday 20 July, to prepare the flyover structure for demolition.
Official diversion routes will be clearly signposted. For all the information on the road closures and diversions, as well as the latest updates on the progress of the demolition, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/flyover
