Bridge delays likely 'to get quite a bit worse'

Drivers are being warned traffic delays are likely to worsen this week after restrictions were brought in across the Tyne Bridge.

Capacity has been reduced to one lane in both directions across the bridge, which connects Gateshead and Newcastle, as part of major repair work.

The restrictions began during the Easter school holidays when traffic was lighter, but more congestion is expected with traffic now returning to normal levels.

Newcastle City Council's Pamela Holmes said it had been "a soft start", but that traffic was likely "to get quite a bit worse".

"We understand some people have to drive, but we want people to try and use the Metro or the bus, or think about the times they're coming in if they can," Ms Holmes said.

"We've always said there are going to be significant delays. Up until now it's been an average of 25 minutes to get across the bridge, but that could go up to 30 to 40 minutes."

She hoped people would think about walking or cycling as the summer months arrived.

Dave Paxton regularly walks across the bridge to get to work in Newcastle and said the traffic sometimes looked "chaotic".

"It's certainly an inconvenience, but I think people understand it has to be done," he said.

Adam Lawrence who walks across the Tyne Bridge to work said: "I've noticed long tailbacks on either side, much longer than usual."

He added: "My advice to people would be walk if you can but there are only so many ways you can get across the Tyne so I know it's not easy if you're coming from further away."

The bridge is almost 100 years old, and was last upgraded more than two decades ago.

Inspection work in summer 2022 found steel work had corroded due to peeling paintwork, damaged deck joints, leaking drains and damage to the road surface and pavements.

People travelling across the region are advised to stay on the major trunk roads and use other river crossings such as the A1, A19, Tyne Tunnel and Scotswood Bridge.

The four-year programme to preserve the Grade II* listed structure is expected to be complete by summer 2028, ahead of the bridge's centenary in October that year.

"It is not uncommon to face delays crossing the Tyne Bridge, especially at the start of the working week, but it seems many drivers have been listening to the message put out by officials – plan ahead and divert, where possible.

"This could have been quite a chaotic morning rush hour on the first day back to school following the Easter break, but traffic was largely flowing along the two lanes.

"Yes, there was the occasional halt of cars, buses and trucks – but I suspect, that was more due to the traffic lights and pedestrian crossing on the Gateshead side of the bridge holding things up.

"It is still early days and we will really need to see how the traffic management plan works in the long term, especially in the run-up to summer."

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