Gateshead flyover closed over 'serious' safety concerns

The Gateshead Highway flyover is a major route between Gateshead and Newcastle. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

A major route between Gateshead and Newcastle has been closed due over safety fears.

The A167 Gateshead Highway flyover was closed on the night of Friday 13 December with immediate effect, after inspectors found potential issues with its structural integrity.

It remains closed to all traffic with the road beneath the flyover between the Park Lane roundabout and the Five Bridges roundabout also closed.

The two roundabouts below the flyover will remain open following expert advice from consultant engineers confirmed, meaning traffic can continue east and west allowing access between the A184 Felling bypass and the Tyne Bridge, and to the A1.

Gateshead Council says it is working with neighbouring local authorities to manage traffic as efficiently as possible. Drivers are being signposted to alternative routes or urged to use public transport instead where possible.

Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "Public safety has to be our top priority, and so we have acted to shut down the highway immediately. Closing these roads is a big decision, and we recognise the impact this will have on the transport network across the whole area.

"The engineers make clear there is a risk to certain sections of the structure continuing to be in use, and hence a risk to the travelling public.

"Monitoring and further inspections will continue to ensure everyone's safety and determine next steps. We will keep you informed and work to minimise disruption as far as possible."

Inspections of the 1960s-built structure in recent years suggested that while there are some signs of detereoration in the condition of the flyover, it was still safe to use. However, inspections carried out earlier this week revealed 'serious concerns' about the structural integrity of sections of the flyover.

Overnight closures will be in place on Sunday 15 and 16 December, into the early hours of Tuesday 17.

  • Park Lane roundabout (junction of A167 and A184) will be closed from 7pm on Sunday 15 until 6am on Monday 16 December

  • the Five Bridges roundabout will be closed from 10pm on Monday 16 December, reopening at 6am on Tuesday 17.

Full diversion routes will be in place.

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