Date: 10 July 2026
Dear resident
We have updated the Frequently Asked Questions document to provide further updates. Any new questions or responses have been prefixed by an asterisk (*) with the date added to make it easier to identify the updates.
If you have any further questions that are not covered within this document, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
All our news updates on the flyover demolition project can be found at Gateshead Highway (A167) flyover.
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Yours faithfully
Sophie Warriner
Resident Support Officer
Frequently Asked Questions
General impact
How close will demolition activities be to my property?
The below map shows how close the works will be:
* When will the demolition work start and how long will it take? Could work be delayed and take longer than expected to complete? (added 10 July 2026)
The 24/7 closure of the Park Lane roundabout in Gateshead will begin on Saturday 25 July and is expected to run until Friday 21 August. Before that, there will be a full week of overnight closures, starting Monday 20 July, to prepare the flyover structure for excavators to move in, taking advantage of school term finishing on Friday 17 July, when the roads become significantly quieter than usual.
From now onwards up until the demolition, there will be preparatory works taking place near to your homes during Monday-Friday. BAM envisage that these works should not be too disruptive and the use of loud noise producing equipment will not be required. During the day these will be works to install the protective screen on the grounds outside your homes and at night there will be preparatory works on Park Lane to get ready for the demolition.
We are pleased with how the demolition programme has been progressing, and our contractor BAM has learnt a lot about the best techniques and sequencing to bring the flyover down as efficiently as possible. Now they are moving on to the biggest logistical challenge of the whole programme, to close the normally very busy Park Lane roundabout for 26 days straight, and carry out the work close to neighbouring homes. The plans are for the contractors to work round the clock to minimise the length of the closure.
* How will the town centre be impacted? (added 10 July 2026)
During the near four-week closure, due to finish on Friday 21 August, Gateshead town centre will remain open for business, with lots to see and do and activities for families.
There is a whole programme of events over the summer, run by the council and by partners, for residents to enjoy the town centre - and we're encouraging as many people as possible to get on the bus or the Metro to minimise congestion while Park Lane roundabout has to be closed. To help minimise disruption to journeys, the council encourages people to consider public transport, park and ride, car sharing, or walking and cycling for shorter trips.
For longer journeys, as with the Five Bridges roundabout, drivers are advised to plan ahead and choose alternative routes earlier in their journey, using main roads such as the A1 and A19 wherever possible to avoid delays around the affected area.
What will the working hours be and what is the overall timeline for the demolition works?
The work will be ongoing 24 hours a day including weekends. The flyover demolition is expected to be completed in full by October 2026, but we envisage the works will be most disruptive to your homes between the period of 25 July to 21 August while Park Lane roundabout is closed.
Has the council considered carrying out this work at times that gives residents some respite, for example working 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. This might make it easier for residents to stay in their homes and reduce the cost to the council for temporary accommodation.
This has been carefully considered but it would ultimately prolong the overall programme of works and disruption caused.
Compensation and allowances
Will there be compensation for residents for the inconvenience caused and for any severe disruption?
We must stress that the works are going to be extremely disruptive due to the nature of the works as well as the continuous working hours which is why you are being offered alternative accommodation. All residents will be required to continue to pay their rent. Residents who decide to stay in their property or move in with family/friends will be eligible for a disturbance allowance. They will continue to pay their rent as normal but receive a disturbance allowance of £150 per week per household, paid into your bank account at the end of the project. Those that move into temporary accommodation provided by the council will not be eligible for the disturbance allowance as the council will be paying temporary accommodation costs. Should residents change their mind and move out during the demolition period, they will no longer be eligible for the disturbance allowance.
Will residents be required to pay their rent and Council Tax if they are moved out of their homes?
All residents will be required to continue to pay rent and Council Tax.
Noise and vibration
Will residents need to pack away ornaments and other household items to prevent damage caused by the vibration?
The vibrations from the works will be quite strong and will be felt inside your home. To help prevent damage, we advise you to remove pictures from walls and pack away any valuable or fragile items. Boxes and packing materials are available if needed. Please request these if required. This also applies to residents remaining in the block throughout the works.
How loud will the demolition works be and who can I contact if I experience excessive noise or vibration?
The demolition works will be extremely loud and cause significant disruption. To help minimise the impact, we will provide earplugs. However, if these do not reduce the noise sufficiently, over‑ear hearing protection can also be made available. A list of contact details will be provided, so you can get in touch if you feel the level of disruption from the works is becoming too much, and we can offer further support.
What types of noise should we expect during different phases?
Various noise will be heard throughout such as machinery, loud impact noise from breaking and demolition activities. Expect to hear heavy hammering, cracking of concrete, and occasional crashing as materials are removed. Strong vibrations will also be felt.
* What kind of work is being done throughout the night is it heavy machine work or clearing up and away the broken concrete after the day of demolition? (added 10 July 2026)
The work BAM carry out during the closure nights could be any of the activities - prop installation, demolition, or clear-up. At Five Bridges BAM have tried to reduce the nosiest activities at night however this will depend on progress as the priority will be to complete the works as quickly as reasonably possible and hence stick to the programme.
Dust and air quality
What about the dust and water spray - will windows and doors need to be kept shut?
The council will be advising residents to keep windows shut whenever possible to reduce noise and dust entering homes, despite water suppression being used to reduce the impact of dust.
How much dust will be generated during demolition and will any measures be in place to control it?
The main source of dust is during concrete breaking, however this is controlled at source using water jets mounted on the machinery itself, and also at ground level. Dust levels have been measured during Phase 1 of the flyover demolition adjacent to Aidan House which is a similar distance from the activity to the East Street flats. The initial data shows that the levels measured on site are on average less than the Air Quality Objective targets.
Will air quality be monitored and is there a risk to residents with asthma or respiratory conditions?
Yes, we will be continuously monitoring the dust levels as well as the wind direction and weather. The demolition contractor, BAM, will be controlling the dust generation at source with mitigation tools. Should the mitigations prove ineffective we will stop works to reassess.
Traffic and access
Will the underpass from Park Court to the old Davy Roll site be closed?
Yes, St Mary's Subway will close during the works, but dates are still to be confirmed. BAM are currently looking to reduce the length of this closure. A surface level pedestrian crossing is available around 200 yards further north.
Will bin collections and deliveries be disrupted?
Bin collections and deliveries should not be impacted.
* Will there be road closures near my home and how will traffic diversions affect local streets? (added 10 July 2026)
As with the Five Bridges roundabout closure and demolition work to the southern end of the flyover, this part of the project has been very carefully planned and managed, but is still going to cause significant disruption. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.
Traffic which normally uses the Felling bypass (A184) to reach the Park Lane roundabout, will be diverted along Albany Road, Quays Boulevard and Hawks Road to reach the Oakwellgate roundabout, and can then proceed onwards to the Tyne Bridge or to the Trinity Square Gateshead car park off Lambton Street.
As previously indicated, Lambton Street has now been amended back to its previous layout, which means traffic is able to enter Lambton Street from the High Street and Oakwellgate junction, and can then leave Trinity Square Gateshead car park in either direction - to the east (Oakwellgate) or west (West Central Route).
Our highways network management team have been working on plans to ensure the key diversion routes are kept free of disruption.
The council will be closing Hawks Road to the east of the traffic light controlled junction with Quays Boulevard, as well as the northernmost section of Quarryfield Road between Gateshead College and the Riga office building.
These closures will mean the main flow of traffic diverted off the Felling Bypass will not need to wait at red lights at multiple junctions, and can travel between the Tyne Bridge and the A184 Felling Bypass with minimal interruptions.
* Will I still have access to a parking space? (updated 10 July 2026)
The Peareth Court car park will be closed during the period Monday 22 June to Friday 14 August. Alternative parking facilities can be used at Priory Court Car Park. Bollards have been added to this car park and keys given to residents to ensure it is resident use only.
Will emergency vehicle access be maintained?
Yes. Emergency access will be maintained at all times to ensure services can reach the area if needed.
Safety and security
What security is being provided? Will this be 24/7 and how will it work? Will residents and visitors sign in when accessing the building and be escorted to properties?
Security will be in place and the level of provision will depend on the number of residents remaining within the blocks. CCTV will continue to be actively monitored by our Concierge team. Based on current plans, a security guard will be present in each block 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will regularly circulate throughout the building, offering support to residents and monitoring the blocks. Residents will be provided with a contact number for the security team. The security arrangements will be reviewed regularly, taking into account the number of residents still living in the block and those who have moved out and we will update you if anything was to change. Residents can freely access their homes at any time of the day and night.
Will there be secure fencing around the demolition site and is there a risk of falling debris reaching residential areas?
Appropriate safety measures will be in place around the works in line with all health and safety requirements. The area will be clearly sectioned off to protect residents, neighbouring properties, and the public at all times. All demolition activities will be carefully managed, with a secure protective screen erected to contain materials within the site. In addition, a strict no-access zone will be established around the works, ensuring that members of the public cannot enter areas in close proximity to the demolition for their safety.
Will there be increased site lighting, and will it affect homes?
There will be temporary road and street lighting when existing lighting is removed. Additional site work lighting will be required during night shifts.
Structural concerns
What happens if the buildings are damaged by the demolition work? Where would residents go?
A significant amount of planning and preparation has been undertaken to minimise the risk of damage to the buildings during the demolition works. While every effort has been made to prevent this, it cannot be ruled out entirely. Access would only be prevented from the blocks in the unlikely event the buildings were considered unsafe to live in. If damage is isolated, then alternative temporary accommodation would be arranged for those residents.
Could demolition works affect the foundations of the blocks?
The demolition methodology and the results of the vibration monitoring that has been undertaken throughout the works so far and we would not consider that the foundations are at risk. The demolition method used means that only small, low impact, chunks of concrete are falling to the ground. We have also completed the assessment of the metro tunnels which have shown the impact of the work is extremely minor on the surrounding areas.
Utilities and services
Will work affect the following: electrics, water supply, WiFi, drainage, sewer systems or street lighting?
Street lighting in the vicinity of the flyover will be affected, with temporary lighting installed during the works. Following the work, new street lighting will be installed. The works are not expected to affect electrics, water supply, Wi-Fi, drainage, or sewer systems.
* I've seen that there will also be work done to the district energy scheme. Will that effect heating and hot water to my home? (updated 10 July 2026)
The works to extend the heat network are further north from the East Street flats and will not cause interruptions to the supply of hot water to the existing network during the works taking place. There are some planned shutdowns to connect the existing pipework to the new installation which are planned in before the demolition works at Park Lane commence. These have been communicated to residents.
Communication and updates
Why was there a lack of notice regarding the consultation event? Letters were received 2 days prior and there were concerns about those residents who couldn't attend.
Letters were sent out in the days prior to the consultation event, so it was fresh in people's minds. The letter also provided contact details for the multi-storey team for those residents not available during the 2 days. While the vast majority of residents have now been contacted, attempts continue to be made to speak to the small number of residents we have not yet been able to contact.
Who will provide support. Will residents be kept informed of progress or changes and will updates be frequent?
Contact details for all officers supporting these works will be provided to residents so there will always be someone available to contact during working hours. There will also be a regular on-site presence from our team in the blocks, hotel accommodation, or any other preferred accommodation that has been arranged. We will reissue this document as updates become available. If you have any queries please contact the multi-storey team on telephone number 0191 433 5414 or by email at [email protected]
If you have any questions or concerns about the flyover demolition project, please email us at [email protected] For all the latest updates visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/flyover.
Will there be advanced notice of particularly disruptive activities?
We will keep residents informed of the works progress however, due to the nature of the demolition, disruptive activities will be ongoing throughout. Residents can contact officers at any time if they feel the noise or disruption is becoming too much, and we will offer support.
Is there a complaints or escalation process?
Officers will be contactable during working hours to record any concerns and work to resolve them or escalate them to the appropriate individuals/teams where needed. Please note that disruption caused through works cannot be controlled and works are essential.
* Where can I get future updates about the project? (added 10 July 2026)
Going forwards, we will display any updates to these FAQ's or any other relevant information on the notice boards in your buildings. The FAQ's will always show the last updated date in the top right corner. You can also attend the drop-in sessions which will be held regularly in 78 Park Court, posters will be put up detailing the next available timeslots.
Environmental impact
How will waste materials from demolition be handled? Will materials be recycled and steps taken to minimise environmental impact?
The waste from the flyover demolition will be loaded onto wagons and taken offsite to be processed for reuse on other projects. The council hope to use some of the processed waste on the new Quays development. The small amounts of asbestos in the structure are marked up in advance and safely removed and disposed of at an approved facility before the demolition work begins.
Duration and phasing
What happens if the work takes longer than planned or is delayed?
If there are any delays or if the work is expected to take longer than planned, we will keep you updated. As the work is ongoing 24/7, we do not anticipate any delays however, we cannot rule this out entirely.
* Which stages of demolition will be most disruptive? How long will the noisiest or most intense works last? (updated 10 July 2026)
The most disruptive stages of demolition will be the 24/7 closure of Five Bridges roundabout - 21 June 2026 to 16 July 2026 (25 days), and then the closure of Park Lane roundabout - 25 July 2026 to 21 August 2026 (27 days).
Will there be breaks or pauses in the work programme?
The work is programmed to take place on a 24-hours basis, including weekends, therefore no breaks or pauses have been built into the programme. This is to enable the works to be completed as quickly as possible and to minimise the overall duration of disruption.
Living conditions
Will there be respite provision provided for residents who wish to remain living in their home but can escape the disruption during the day?
As of recently, Bewick's has been closed off to the public, and unfortunately, we are therefore unable to offer this as a daytime respite space. There will be respite provision available Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4.30pm at 50 Adelaide Court. If you wish to use this, please contact one of the team.
Should I expect disruption, and what if I later decide I can no longer remain in my home?
Yes day-to-day disruption should be expected. During the consultation event, residents were asked that should the noise and vibration became too much for them, what their preferred choice would be for temporary accommodation. Residents are welcome to change their preference at any point. Please contact us as needed.
Which hotels will be used for residents? Will they be local and near transport routes so people can return to their flats when they need to?
We will be using the Ramada hotel, Gateshead due to its close proximity to Park and Peareth Court as well as the town centre. Where residents need help with transport, this can be provided.
* For residents who have chosen to move out and into temporary accommodation, what dates will this cover and how will we get there? (added 10 July 2026)
We aim to move out residents on 23 July and move back in on 25 August. This is to allow for residents to move in and out during working hours to ensure any issues can be picked up and resolved efficiently. Taxis will be provided to transport you to and from your temporary accommodation. We will be in touch with you closer to the date to confirm times. If you have any issues with the taxis on the day please use the contact details provided.
Will a meals package be provided for those residents moved into a hotel?
Yes, where residents don't have access to kitchen facilities, a meal package will be provided, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What provision is being made for residents with children? Will alternative council accommodation be considered as well as self-contained temporary accommodation?
During the consultation event, information detailing each tenant's individual circumstances was recorded to ensure these can be addressed on a case-by-case basis, recognising that everyone will have different needs. If at any time residents feel that their accommodation does not meet their requirements, we will work with them to explore alternative options that may be more suitable.
Will residents definitely return to their homes, or could this lead to a decision being taken by the council to permanently rehouse all residents?
Residents will be returning to their homes and can do so at any point throughout the works. Access will not be prevented.
What happens if people can't tolerate the noise before the planned start/move date? What is the demarcation line that determines when the noise will cause issues for residents?
Residents can decide at any point if they would like to change their preference, if they can't tolerate the noise, and alternative accommodation will be provided. We cannot confirm a demarcation line. We must stress that the work will be extremely disruptive with intense vibrations that can be felt.
What if I get too hot if I remain in my flat?
Fans can be provided on request. Residents also have access to the respite facility at 50 Adelaide Court. Alternatively, if it becomes too much to stay in your home then please let us know if you would like to move into the temporary accommodation.
Would temporary accommodation be furnished?
Yes, temporary accommodation will be furnished.
* I have a pet, what happens if I have to move into temporary accommodation? (added 10 July 2026)
The Ramada will take 1 well behaved dog/cat per room.
Post demolition
Will there be further disruption for residents after the planned demolition is completed, for example when the area is being cleared, landscaped, developed?
After the Park Lane closure is complete there will be some minor highways and street lighting works but these should generally be completed during daytime shifts. Plans for future uses of the land around the area are still being worked on by the council and are subject to necessary approvals and funding streams.
How long will the whole project (including future works) last and what will happen to the site after demolition is complete?
The demolition of the flyover should be largely complete in October 2026, with minor works continuing to December 2026. Plans for future uses of the land around the area are still being investigated by the council and are subject to necessary approvals and funding streams.
