Severe delays are anticipated after the immediate closure of the Gateshead Highway Flyover (A167), which took effect on Friday night following alarming inspections. Gateshead Council made the prompt decision to shut down all traffic to the flyover due to serious concerns about its structural integrity, raising widespread safety alarms.
According to Coun Martin Gannon, the leader of Gateshead Council, public safety has to be the top priority. “Closing these roads is a big decision, and we recognize the impact this will have on the transport network across the whole area,” he stated. He emphasized the potential risk to the public should the flyover remain open, leading to monitoring and continuous inspections to determine future steps.
The flyover, built during the 1960s, is one of the main arteries needed for accessing Newcastle city center from south of the River Tyne, serving approximately 40,000 vehicles daily. Its closure necessitates diversions, and local authorities are collaborating to manage the traffic flow effectively. Coun Gannon advised motorists to expect significant congestion and urged them to avoid peak driving times when possible.
Specifically, the closure affects both northbound and southbound traffic along the upper deck of the flyover. Engineers discovered substantial issues with one of its supporting pillars, which prompted the council’s emergency response. Gannon added, “The engineers make clear there is a risk to certain sections of the structure continuing to be used, and hence to the traveling public,” illustrating the urgency of the matter.
Metro services have suffered as well. Nexus, the public transportation authority, confirmed its trains running beneath the flyover would operate under reduced speed limits. This rate dropped to just 30 kilometers per hour, down from previous speeds, to navigate the potential vulnerabilities of the structure above. Nexus officials noted, “Customers will experience wait times of extra few minutes... and should allow extra time for their journeys where possible.”
Due to the extensive closure's reach and impact, Gateshead council recommends commuters utilize public transport or explore alternative routes. “If you can find alternative routes, use alternative routes. If you can use public transport, use public transport,” urged Gannon. His department is evaluating traffic light timings and road layouts to facilitate as seamless of travel as possible during the closure period.
Local traffic issues are also compounded by work on the Tyne Bridge, which is currently undergoing restoration. This dual disruption has triggered concerns from local businesses, which fear the closure will negatively affect their operations amid the festive season.
While the immediate road closure is significant, the council has contended with its structural concerns for years, framing it as part of their longer-term urban transport strategy. Gannon mentioned previously, “We know it has a limited lifespan,” adding, “It’s going to take tens of millions to either demolish it, replace it, and put a new road system.” This funding will require support from the government, potentially setting up for protracted negotiations for city planners.
The council is actively assessing the current situation with structural engineers and will communicate any new updates. Gannon assured, “We are working with our partners to manage traffic as efficiently as possible.” Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have criticized the Labour-led council, stating the issue has been overshadowed for more than ten years and calling for the timely removal of the flyover.
Ron Beadle, leader of the Gateshead Liberal Democrats, has accused the council of “ducking a decision until crisis point,” emphasizing the need for immediate action. Beadle stated, “The council and the mayor must act quickly to remove the flyover and enable people to travel to and from our town center.”
During this time, the Gateshead Council is urging the public to stay informed about the situation through local news resources, and they are providing regular updates about any changes to traffic regulations and transportation services affected by the flyover’s closure.
Public safety remains the council's prime motivation, yet as the metropolitan area braces for the impacts of this abrupt announcement, residents are reminded to exercise patience and awareness on their commutes. Stakeholders await the next report analyzing the structural condition of the flyover and what permanent solutions may come next.
