Bridge to reopen after maintenance work

The Newport Bridge, spanning the River Tees, has a new layout with just one lane northbound

A bridge closed for more than seven weeks for maintenance is to reopen slightly ahead of schedule.

Newport Bridge, over the River Tees, shut on 7 July causing issues for motorists commuting into Stockton and Middlesbrough.

It will reopen to all traffic from 19:00 BST on Thursday, three days earlier than initially planned, with a new layout that sees the northbound carriageway towards Stockton reduced to a single lane.

First opened in 1934, it is thought to be the first vertical lift bridge in Britain and the largest and heaviest of its type in the world.

The work was a continuation of maintenance started last summer and had been due to run until 31 August.

A joint venture between Stockton Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council, it has included the installation of a vehicle restraint system for safety and ballast support.

New crash barriers have also been installed and road markings updated.

Stockton Council's Paul Rowling, cabinet member for resources and transport, said it was "great news" the bridge would be open again in time for the new school term beginning next week.

He added: "Drivers are reminded that a new road layout has been implemented on the bridge, with a single lane on the northbound carriageway but maintaining both lanes on the southbound carriageway.

"The new road layout is needed due to the narrow lanes on and over the bridge and the positioning of the new vehicle restraint system."