Redheugh Bridge to be closed for most of Sunday

Engineers are also set to inspect the Redheugh Bridge to determine if it needs further repairs

A key route over the River Tyne is to be closed for 12 hours while repairs are carried out.

The Redheugh Bridge, which carries traffic between Newcastle and Gateshead, is to be shut on Sunday from 06:00 BST.

A full closure is needed so Gateshead Council can carry out a survey of the structure, known as a principal inspection, as well as complete repairs to a section of its parapet.

The council's service director for highways and waste Colin Swinney said it was vital to "keep a close eye on the condition" of the bridge.

"Repairs and maintenance work have been scheduled to take place on the same day as the inspection to minimise the need for closing the bridge, which we know is disruptive for people locally," he said.

Last year, the Gateshead Newcastle joint bridge committee found a section of Redheugh Bridge's concrete was crumbling and there was damage to its drainage pipe.

The committee found repairing the damage could cost more than £1m.

More bridges checked

Engineers will use specialist access equipment to inspect the whole bridge deck and supporting piers as part of the principal inspection.

They will also clean the bridge's drainage system so it is working ahead of the autumn and winter months.

During the closure, diversions will be put in place which will take traffic over the Tyne Bridge.

Drivers will also be able to cross the river over the A1 or the A695 Scotswood Bridge and the council has advised them to allow extra time for their journeys.

Swinney said the inspection of the Redheugh was the first in a number being carried out across bridges in the area.

"Over the coming months we will also be inspecting the A695 Scotswood Bridge, the A695 Blaydon Viaduct as well as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge," he said.

"Specialist engineers will complete these inspections to ensure the safety of all these structures."