Bridge closes to traffic for safety checks

The bridge was built in the 1930s

A bridge has closed to traffic for additional safety checks after an engineering review.

The Heugh Street Bridge, located on River Drive in South Shields, was not due for a major inspection until next year, but recent findings prompted an earlier one, South Tyneside Council said.

The local authority confirmed pedestrian access would remain in place and the Nexus Learning Centre beneath the crossing would continue to operate as normal.

The inspection process is expected to take at least six months, with works taking place underneath the bridge.

Additional specialist monitoring will be introduced, including strain gauges and concrete testing, to make sure it remains safe.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods, said the measures might cause inconvenience, but were "essential to keep people safe".

"While Heugh Street Bridge has served the community for decades, recent inspection has prompted us to close the bridge to traffic with immediate effect," Gibson said.

"Closing the bridge now allows engineers to carry out a thorough inspection and gather the evidence needed to make informed decisions about its future."

The bridge dates to the 1930s and is used by about 5,000 vehicles daily.

Traffic management and diversion routes are in place.