Bridge restoration moves to other side of landmark

Work is under way to shift the restoration of the Tyne Bridge over to the Newcastle side of the landmark.

Newcastle Council said restrictions had been implemented on the Newcastle Quayside in preparation for a "significant milestone" in the project.

Weight restrictions on the Grade II-listed structure have meant it cannot be entirely covered by scaffolding at once, with the programme of repairs instead being moved across to different sections over time.

Work began on the Gateshead end in April and over the next five months scaffolding with be erected around the bridge's north tower.

The long-awaited revamp of the bridge is expected to take until the summer of 2028 to complete - just ahead of the bridge's centenary celebrations in the October.

Temporary traffic lights have been installed between the junctions of Sandhill and King Street on Monday as engineers work their way over to the Newcastle side.

The quayside market will continue to operate on Sundays, although some stalls may need to be relocated, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Full overnight closures of the quayside between Sandhill and Broad Chare are planned from 9 to 21 September, after which full access is due to be restored for both vehicles and pedestrians in both directions via tunnels created underneath the scaffolding.

Councillor Marion Williams, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "I know everyone is keen to see the bridge restored to its former glory.

"I would like to thank them for their patience as our teams carry out this vital work."

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