Government hands over £35m for Tyne Bridge repairs

The Tyne Bridge is in need of significant repairs

Tens of millions of pounds promised by the government for the restoration of the Tyne Bridge is finally being handed over.

Just over £35m was announced in June 2022 to cover the bulk of painting and refurbishing the crossing, which needs significant structural repairs.

Concerns were raised in December that the money had still not materialised just weeks before work was expected to begin.

Gateshead Council Labour leader Martin Gannon said he was "relieved but still nervous" until council officers confirmed the money was in the bank.

"I don't know why it has taken this long," Mr Gannon said.

"This is no way to do government. These are incredibly important decisions which have enormous impacts on Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider region."

The project was due to start early this year and Mr Gannon added that not having confirmation of the money would have had "profound implications" on the programme.

The government promised money for Tyne Bridge repairs in 2022

Roads minister and Hexham MP Guy Opperman said the money would allow the bridge to "shine proudly as one of the UK's most iconic landmarks".

Asked why it had taken so long to confirm funding, he said the original announcement was based on the "outline business case" with further details then needed, the last of which were provided by the councils in November.

"We've turned it round in eight weeks, we've signed it off today and we believe construction will start this year," he said.

He denied the councils were ready to start work last autumn, saying there were "plenty of documents to prove that".

Roads minister and Hexham MP Guy Opperman said it was an "historic day"

About 70,000 vehicles use the Grade II listed bridge every day.

Mr Gannon said the work would reduce traffic to one lane in each direction, halving capacity for four years.

"It's going to cause huge disruption across the North East," he said.

"But it'll secure the future of the bridge and we'll be in the right place in 2029 to celebrate the centenary."

The construction of the Tyne Bridge in February 1928

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it was providing £35.2m towards the total scheme cost of £41.4m, with the remainder coming from Newcastle and Gateshead councils.

The money is also earmarked for work to ease congestion on the A167 Central Motorway, which will improve journey times in and out of Newcastle.

The DfT said the last major repair work to the bridge was carried out in 2001, while the A167 had not received significant maintenance since it opened in 1975.

Work on the bridge is expected to start almost immediately as plans have already been made for alternative nesting sites for returning kittiwakes.