Gateshead Council is urging commuters to avoid the area around the A167 flyover when they return to work next week as efforts continue to strengthen the crumbling road.
The local authority has called on motorists and commuters to allow for extra time for journeys and to stick to established diversions with the amount of traffic expected to increase as people return to work and school.
Gateshead Council closed the flyover completely to all traffic on December 13 after inspections found major concerns over the structural integrity of one of the supporting pillars underneath. Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus initially slowed down trains passing through tunnels beneath the flyover, and later had to suspend all services across the River Tyne.
A temporary industrial prop was successfully installed under the 1960s flyover on December 30, allowing Metro services to resume. The pillar will also be encased in more concrete as a “medium term solution” with work expected to start in January.
Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “We want to thank everyone for their understanding as we have worked rapidly to ensure the safety of everyone travelling through the area. Many people gave up their Christmas break to ensure the temporary props were installed, so we could provide assurance to Nexus that the Metro tunnels were safe for trains to run at full speed again.
“Now people are returning to work in bigger numbers, and I want to thank drivers who have heeded our advice and taken diversions or public transport instead. The diversions will remain in place and our advice remains the same – which is to avoid travelling at peak times if you can. This will minimise disruption for those who can’t.
“We would urge people to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time – and keep supporting Gateshead town centre.”
Coun Gannon said the council’s longer term plan is to demolish the flyover and regenerate the area. Plans to remove and replace the flyover date back at least as far back as 2008. But despite what Coun Gannon described as “numerous” bids for Government funding, no money has been allocated.
The two roundabouts below the flyover remain open on the advice of engineers, and access between the A184 Felling bypass and the Tyne Bridge, and to the A1. A167 traffic is being diverted to the west of the flyover, around Gateshead Civic Centre.
To reduce congestion the council advises people to use an different route, like the A1 Western Bypass, where possible. The council is also considering how and when to reopen the Sunderland Road bus lane.
Last month fences blocking off Sunderland Road had been separated with their wires cut twice, allowing people access underneath the flyover. Workmen have since restored the fences and the council has reminded people they were in place for public safety.
Residents can view an interactive map for current roadworks throughout Gateshead including temporary traffic lights, road closures and diversions.
The initial crisis prompted a meeting between North East mayor Kim McGuinness, Gateshead Council bosses, Gateshead MP Mark Ferguson, and the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, on December 21. Following the meeting, Ms McGuinness said she was willing to find resources to tackle the situation, although she later stated this could not be accomplished without government money.
Councillor Gannon added: “We will be keeping up the pressure to get funding in place. This challenging situation has given the opportunity to speed up the revitalisation of our town and we need to ensure this happens.
“If we keep on repairing the flyover, it is just putting off the inevitable and is likely to be more costly over the longer term than demolition because repairing it will never overcome some of the basic 1960s design flaws.”
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