'High risk' platforms to be removed from viaduct

The Howdon viaduct was first built in the 1830s

Work is under way to remove "high risk" maintenance platforms attached to a viaduct.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus said it had found "structurally unsuitable" platforms on the Howdon Viaduct in North Tyneside.

But the firm stressed the bridge itself is structurally solid.

Nexus also said the base of the viaduct's piers had been fenced off so there was no risk to the public using a nearby footpath or playing field.

Metro infrastructure director Stuart Clarke said the viaduct was first built in the 1830s and has carried Metro services since the early 1980s, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Regular inspections are carried out to ensure the viaduct is safe and secure,” he said, adding that 14 maintenance gantries need to be dismantled as they are showing signs of “deterioration”.

“Two of the disused maintenance platforms have already been removed and a third one will be coming down this week."

"The remainder will be taken down over the next few months."

Nexus said the works do not require any Metro line closures.