Engineers have begun a four-year project to restore the iconic Grade II listed Tyne Bridge.
Described as 'one of the most complex and challenging engineering projects the North East', the work is being carried out by Esh Construction on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead Councils.
The four-year programme is expected to be completed in the summer of 2028, ahead of the bridge’s centenary in October of that year.
The project includes:
- over 900 steelwork repairs
- grit blasting and re-painting
- concrete repairs
- drainage improvements
- stonework and masonry repairs
- bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing,
- parapet protection
- and bridge joint replacement.
The current programme of works will see lane restrictions in place for a minimum of two years, with further temporary lane closures and overnight closures scheduled for the remaining two years of restoration works.
Pamela Holmes, assistant director of transport at Newcastle City Council, said: 'The lane closures that are needed during the work programme will have a significant impact on traffic and we are warning people to expect congestion and delays.
'We’re urging people to plan ahead and help ease the pressure on the road network on and around the Tyne Bridge by switching to public transport, using Park and Ride facilities, walking or cycling where possible. We’ve got full travel advice at www.tynebridge.org and we’re asking everyone to do their bit and help us keep Tyneside moving.'
Road closures
Off-peak lane closures, between 9.30am and 3.30pm were put in place at the start of this week. These will be followed by a full overnight closure starting at 8pm on 4 April.
From 6am on 4 April onwards, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction, effectively halving the capacity on this major transport route, which is used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.
The programme is subject to weather conditions, and a further overnight closure may be required, which will be advised nearer the time, Newcastle City Council said.
A number of improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes are being put in place by Newcastle and Gateshead councils to encourage people to use these forms of travel to help ease traffic congestion.
People travelling across the region are advised to avoid travel through the centre of Newcastle and Gateshead and instead stay on the major trunk roads and use other river crossings such as the A1, A19, Tyne Tunnel and Scotswood Bridge.
Funding
The financial background of the project is nearly as complex as the engineering itself.
An initial funding package of £41.4m was drawn up by Newcastle and Gateshead councils for the Tyne Bridge work, together with a separate improvements project to viaducts on the Central Motorway, which leads up to the bridge.
A bid for this funding package was submitted in 2019 to the Major Road Network (MRN) Fund - under which the Government would provide £35.3m, or 85%, with the councils providing the remaining £6.1m.
To fund the first phase of the programme, which started in September, the councils used cash from their £6m contribution, ahead of the remaining funding being released by the Government. Highways understands around £4m has been spent.
This was 'to ensure the works get underway at the earliest opportunity, outside of the kittiwakes breeding season, in anticipation of funds being released in early 2024'.
'Since the original funding bid was submitted there has been a significant increase in inflation and costs in the construction industry. This has resulted in the estimated costs for the works significantly rising,' a Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said.
'Despite rising costs, and the additional work detailed in the inspection process which has extended the length of the programme, we remain committed to ensuring that the Tyne Bridge works are prioritised.'
Within the initial £41.4m package, around £20.7m was earmarked for the Tyne Bridge refurbishment works. However, with the cost increasing, the councils decided to reprofile the project by reallocating cash to ensure the Tyne Bridge work was prioritised.
The current estimate of costs for the Tyne Bridge is £32m, with the remaining £9m earmarked for the central motorway upgrade.
In February this year, the Government confirmed 85% of the £41.4m for both the Tyne Bridge and central motorway. This is despite the Government's Network North plan last October stating that ministers would uplift funding for 'most existing MRN schemes' from 85% to 100%.
With the initial funding approved, Newcastle and Gateshead were hopeful of securing a further £6m for the works package.
However as the Government only announced the initial £35.3m or 85% in February, this now looks unlikely.
Central Motorway works
Works on Central Motorway have not started. These reprofiled works will concentrate on the elevated viaduct section which runs from Newbridge St/Camden Street to the North West Radial and crosses Sandyford Road and the Great North Road.
The works will involve waterproofing and joint replacement to the top of the deck and concrete and drainage repairs to the underside of the deck and its supporting structure. These repairs will ensure the capacity of the bridge decks is maintained and that restrictions in the future are not required.
The works will be carried out over two years, during which time the carriageway will be reduced to one lane to allow the works to be carried out safely and to protect both the public and the workforce. A start date for this element of work will be set out 'in due course' the council said.
