Metros unable to run under closed flyover

Engineers are investigating whether there is a risk to the Metro line below

A metro service is unable to run under a flyover which has been closed over safety concerns.

The Tyne and Wear Metro has been suspended between Heworth and Monument because of problems caused by the Gateshead flyover, which was closed suddenly on Friday because of concerns over its structural integrity.

Engineers are thought to be concerned about the 1960s-built flyover collapsing and the risk that would pose to the underground Metro tunnel and station beneath it.

Nexus managing director Cathy Massarella said it received "specialist advice" to suspend the service until it "can put in place more thorough controls".

Metro trains have been unable to cross the Tyne since late afternoon, with the route also now suspended on Friday.

At this stage it is not known how long the restrictions will be in force for, but the situation is serious, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ms Massarella said it was a "developing situation" and Nexus would update customers further "as soon as we are able to".

Trains are not running between Heworth and Monument

Trains are currently running from Monument station to the Airport and St James, and from Heworth towards South Shields and South Hylton – but not to their usual timetable.

Since the flyover was first closed, Metro trains travelling beneath it have had to run at a slower speed.

Earlier, it was reported Gateshead Council bosses wanted to knock down the flyover as part of a major regeneration of the town centre, with leader Martin Gannon labelling the structure "unsightly" and a "costly structure to maintain".

However, Gannon warned there would not be a "quick solution" due to the need to seek funding elsewhere.

The council has been talking about replacing the flyover since 2009, when plans for a tree-lined boulevard were first unveiled, and has now confirmed two bids for government funding in 2019 were refused.

Previous estimates have put the cost of demolishing the flyover and overhauling the surrounding road network between £13m and £74m, though those predicted costs are now several years old.