Tyne Bridge lane closure disruption expected to be shorter

The restoration of the Tyne Bridge will take four years to complete

Travel disruption caused by the restoration of the Tyne Bridge is expected to last half as long as initially feared.

The road on the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 2 April while refurbishment work is carried out.

The repair work will take four years to complete and drivers were told the lane closures would be in place for the full period.

But now Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council have confirmed the road closures may only last for a minimum of two years.

Although the full lane closure period has been cut in half, it is still expected that some overnight closures will take place during the following two years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp said work was already taking place in the city centre to improve traffic while the work is carried out.

He said: "Newcastle is very much open for business throughout the restoration period and we’re advising people to use public transport to minimise disruption as we carry out these crucial works to see our much-loved bridge returned to its former glory.”

'Use public transport'

People are being urged to travel by public transport, walk or cycle to minimise disruptions.

A new park and ride is being set up next to the Metrocentre and safe cycle storage has been promised for Newcastle city centre.

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said: “We’re going to need everyone in the region who loves the bridge to do their bit to help us minimise the disruption that the restoration will cause to the transport network.

"We’re asking everyone to follow our travel advice, and make the switch to public transport or walking and cycling where possible, as we carry out this hugely important programme of work.”