Tyne Bridge restoration lane closures cause traffic delays

There was a heavy build-up of traffic at rush-hour this morning, giving motorists a taste of the travel hardship to come, crossing the River Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle. 

The lane closures marking the start of the main phase of the world-famous bridge’s refurbishment came into force on Tuesday morning, with the crossing set to undergo its first major maintenance in more than 20 years.

The essential structural repairs have been in the pipeline for years, during which time it has fallen into an increasingly dilapidated state.

But the work is expected to have a huge impact on Tyneside for the next few years, with the capacity of the bridge to be cut in half for a large section of the works.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area if possible.

Starting from 6am on today (Thursday, April 4), the Tyne Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction 24 hours a day for at least the next two years.

Recommended reading: 

• Newcastle: Countdown to Tyne Bridge works
• Newcastle: How Tyne Bridge will look during restoration
• Drivers warned of traffic as Tyne Bridge in Newcastle is renovated

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With the grade II listed crossing being one of the busiest routes in the region and a key route into Newcastle city centre, carrying around 70,000 vehicles per day, the engineering works are expected to result in heavy traffic disruption – with warnings that rush hour journeys could take 40 minutes longer than usual because of the congestion.

Motorists have been urged to make the switch to public transport, cycling, or walking if they can, or to use other routes such as the A1 or the Tyne Tunnel to get across the river.

And the full impact of the lane reductions is not expected to be seen until after the Easter school holidays, with traffic due to return to its highest levels from Monday, April 15.