The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Tyne Bridge closes for 10 days as restoration works underway

by · ChronicleLive

The Tyne Bridge has now closed to all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists for 10 days. The closure which takes place over October half-term school holidays is in place to prepare the bridge for its next phase of restoration. It comes ahead of a key next phase in the restoration of the iconic bridge, which is about to reach its most visually striking phase.

Newcastle City Council said it had planned the 10-day closure to coincide with the October half-term break, when there should be fewer cars on the road at peak times. However warnings of major travel disruption on the North East's roads have been raised. Surrounding routes in Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region are expected to be “significantly busier than usual”.

People have been advised to use public transport where possible, with drivers told to avoid central Tyneside and instead use the A1, Tyne Tunnel and Scotswood Bridge to cross the Tyne.

The closure will allow contractors Esh, who are carrying out the £39 million refurbishment of the grade II* listed structure, to erect new scaffolding needed to allow the repair works to move up to the bridge’s famous arch from early next year. Once built, the scaffold will create a tunnel through which traffic can safely pass while the arch is repaired and repainted.

The bridge’s refurbishment began in 2024 and remains on schedule to be completed ahead of its planned 100th anniversary celebrations in October 2028. The closure is in place until 5am on Monday, November 2.

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(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Tyne Bridge closed on morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)