Closed flyover prompts emergency traffic plan

Diversions have been put in place around Gateshead town centre because of the flyover's closure

The closure of the A167 flyover in Gateshead has led to emergency diversions being put in place around the town centre.

The concrete bridge was closed on Friday after engineers said they had "serious concerns" with sections of the 1960s-built structure.

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said the closure of the flyover would have an "enormous" impact on traffic.

Details about the diversions and road closures have now been released and will be in force while further checks on the bridge are carried out.

A council spokesperson said: "The whole of the flyover is closed.

"The road beneath the flyover is closed between the Park Lane roundabout (junction with A184 Felling bypass) and the Five Bridges roundabout (junction with B1426 Sunderland Road).

"The two roundabouts below the flyover remain open, after expert advice from the consultant engineers confirmed it was safe to do so."

Traffic can continue east/west between the A184 Felling bypass and the Tyne Bridge to the A1.

However, overnight work will mean there will be additional closures as detailed below.

Further information can be found on Gateshead Council's One Network map.

Gateshead road closures

A diversion has been put in place for traffic which would usual travel on the upper level of the flyover.

Motorists will need to exit the Five Bridges roundabout on to the A1426, towards Gateshead town centre, then need to turn left on to Arthur Street, past the civic centre, and take a right on to Prince Consort Road.

From there drivers will take the third exit on the roundabout to Charles Street before taking a left back on to Gateshead Highway.

Park Lane roundabout

While maintenance checks are being carried out on the flyover bridge, the Park Lane roundabout will be closed from 19:00 GMT on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday.

Those wishing to use it will be diverted on to Gateshead High Street.

Drivers will be directed alongside the flyover until they reach Eastgate, where they will be required to cross the A167 towards Gateshead College and Hawks Road.

From there, drivers will turn right along Quarryfield Road before taking another right on to Albany Road. They will then join the A184 Park Road.

Five Bridges roundabout

The Five Bridges, or Sunderland Road, roundabout will be closed on Monday from 20:00 until 06:00 on Tuesday.

Those approaching from Sunderland Road will be diverted on to the B1296 Old Durham Road.

Motorists will then take a right on to Valley Drive and cross over the junction with Dryden Road.

They will continue down Valley Drive before turning right on to the A167 Durham Road.

Diversions will take drivers past Five Bridges roundabout and into Gateshead town centre.