Staff on Central Motorway 'working diligently'

Maintenance crews are working on Newcastle's central motorway but are not always visible

Drivers have been assured maintenance is under way on a busy motorway, despite workers not always being in evidence.

Newcastle's central motorway has been reduced to one lane for repairs at the same time as maintenance is being carried out on the Tyne Bridge, leading to frequent tailbacks through the city centre.

But despite the closures, drivers have complained workers are only rarely seen to be implementing any repairs.

Pamela Holmes, assistant director for transport at Newcastle City Council, said on site staff might not be immediately visible to passing traffic, but they were "working diligently" and operating in the area for 20 hours every day.

Holmes told BBC Radio Newcastle, workers repairing the Tyne Bridge were often hidden behind protective sheeting.

"A lot of people have walked across the bridge and they can hear it going on," she said.

"The travelling public across the Tyne Bridge might not see very much activity, but rest assured, there's a lot of work going on."

Responding to criticism surrounding the lack of visible works on the central motorway, Holmes suggested some workers could not be seen by passing motorists because workers are currently replacing deck joints under the concrete viaduct.

"I travel it every day and I have seen the people working - and they are working diligently," she said.

The lane closures have been extended - almost to Cowgate - for workers' safety

Concerns have also been raised about the length of the one-lane restrictions on the southbound carriageway, which extend almost to Cowgate, despite no repairs taking place in the area.

Ms Holmes said the extended lane closure was in place to protect workers, adding the length of the closure was determined by the type of work being carried out and the speed limit.

But she said the council was looking into ways to make restrictions shorter.

"We're looking to see whether we can reduce the speed limit on the central motorway to reduce our taper," she said.