Gateshead Council has confirmed that the road beneath the A167 Gateshead Highway flyover will be in no condition to reopen immediately after the structure's demolition is completed this October. The flyover has been closed since December 2024 due to collapse fears, and the road below—between Park Lane roundabout and Five Bridges roundabout—has also remained shut. While demolition is on track to finish by October, council officials warn that damage caused during the works will likely prevent a swift reopening.
Demolition Progress and Road Damage
Contractors are currently tearing down the concrete flyover, which was deemed at risk of collapse. The road beneath has suffered significant damage from the demolition process, making it unsafe for immediate use. A Gateshead Council spokesperson stated: 'Our contractors tell us the road beneath the flyover will be in no condition to re-open after the demolition is complete. Work is ongoing to plan the town centre road system and plan regeneration of the vacant land being created by demolition.'
Long-Term Future Uncertain
The council emphasised that no final decision has been made on the road's longer-term future. In a statement, a spokesperson added: 'We’ve always said that the road beneath the flyover cannot reopen immediately after demolition because of the scale of the works involved, but any suggestion that its longer-term future has been decided is simply wrong.' Former Labour leader Martin Gannon had previously indicated that a replacement road would have lower capacity to avoid becoming a 'rat run' for commuters bypassing Gateshead town centre. However, Gannon lost his seat in May 2026 as Reform UK took control of the council. New Reform leader Nick Allan has expressed interest in altering the local road network to boost economic growth and improve access to Newcastle.
Upcoming Disruption and Regeneration Plans
The demolition has already caused closures of the Five Bridges roundabout, and further disruption is expected when the busier Park Lane roundabout shuts for several weeks from July 25. This junction is a key route for commuters heading into Newcastle via the Tyne Bridge. The removal of the flyover has long been seen as an opportunity for regeneration, with hopes of new investment and housing around Gateshead town centre, though no detailed plans have been unveiled yet. Gateshead Council continues to work on a new road system for the area, balancing safety, traffic flow, and economic development.
