Drivers warned of heavy delays amid bridge repairs

Scaffolding has been put in place around the Tyne Bridge

Motorists have been warned to expect 30 to 40 minute delays as work to restore the Tyne Bridge gets under way.

From 2 April, the road over the Newcastle bridge will be reduced from four lanes to just two.

Scaffolding has been erected by Esh Construction as the long-awaited works begin.

Stephen McClean, from the firm, said the traffic would "hopefully reduce" if the public used "other options" to cross the bridge.

A staircase leading to a platform near to the bridge's footpath

About 70,000 vehicles drive on the Tyne Bridge every day.

Commuters are being advised by Newcastle City Council to take a different route if possible, travel at quieter times of the day, travel by public transport, walk or cycle.

Mr McClean told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We anticipate possibly an extra 30 to 40 minutes at peak times.

"However, I think if the general public do try to use other options to get across the river that will hopefully reduce."

The scaffolding has been built around the bridge's arches

The work will cost more than £35m and involve more than 900 repairs.

The scaffolding will be installed over 20 phases to stay within the bridge's load capacity, allowing it to remain open to vehicles and foot traffic.

Because of this, the work will take four years, developers Esh Construction say.

The first phase of scaffolding has been erected on the Gateshead side of the bridge.

It is in place by the south tower, underneath the bridge and by the walkway.

Behind-the-scenes photos show how the scaffolding has been built around the bridge's arches to allow work to be carried out on the structure.

The scaffolding has been wrapped in a protective sheet to protect the public.

It will allow repairs and surface blasting to be carried out before the bridge is painted, according to Esh.

Their will be multiple sections of scaffolding built over four years