The final span of the A167 Gateshead flyover has been torn down, ending a six-month demolition project and marking the start of future development. The last stretch of the structure, which dates back to the late 1960s, was removed today, completing the razing that began in April this year.
The flyover was closed in December 2024, never to reopen, amid fears it could collapse. The concerns prompted road closures and split the Metro into two, with the line closed between Monument and Gateshead Stadium.
Regeneration plans unveiled
Gateshead Council representatives are now looking to the future, with the removal of the flyover heralded as key to the area's regeneration, including 1,100 new homes. Gateshead Council leader Nick Allan, present at the demolition, said: "It is illuminating, not to put too fine a point on it. It does signify the dawn of a new era where we can start now to realise all our plans to develop the economy of Gateshead, now this is going to off our books."
Coun Allan added: "Gateshead is going to be totally transformed by the plans we have. Starting with Quays development, the leisure facilities, and the extensions to the walk on the Quayside up to the High Street, where we will be developing the Northern End."
Costs and funding bids
Under the previous Labour administration, the local authority had set aside £18m for the demolition works, with a £2.5m contribution from what was then the North East Combined Authority. However, earlier Local Democracy Reporting Service coverage revealed costs had climbed to £31m.
The council is now bidding for further funds, including £100m from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and £60m from the Department for Transport for further investments in Gateshead's roads, alongside its hope to find developers for the post-flyover neighbourhood.
Future of traffic and housing
Plans are being examined and will be subject to public consultation in the coming months. A major survey is now underway, due to report back later this year, to determine the future of traffic in Gateshead, including the road between the Park Lane and Five Bridges roundabouts.
On costs and investment bids, the chief executive of Gateshead Council, Dale Owens, said: "The £31m also includes the emergency works to prop up the structure. It was a budgeted estimate obviously, when you have to take something down this complex. We have had the costs verified by a third party." The costs also included the demolition of other structures associated with the wider demolition.
On the council's vision for the area, Mr Owens added: "1,100 properties, that will be a mix of social housing and private housing. We expect an Extra Care Scheme, supported accommodation for older people." The chief executive also confirmed that the council would offer former tenants of the now-vacant Priory Court tower block new town centre council homes. Residents of Priory Court had to be evacuated in June last year following a catastrophic flood.
Timeline of demolition
- October 2025 – Computer House internal demolition begins
- December 2025 – Computer House external demolition begins
- 31st March 2026 – Computer House demolition complete
- 16th April 2026 – Demolition of flyover begins – central section
- 21st June 2026 – Five Bridges roundabout closure for flyover demolition (25 days)
- 16th July 2026 – Five Bridges roundabout demolition complete
- 25th July 2026 – Park Lane roundabout closure for flyover demolition (26 days)
- 21st August 2026 – Park Lane roundabout demolition complete
- 23rd September 2026 – 27 of 29 spans now demolished
- 29th September 2026 – final span demolished
