The Tyne Bridge closed to all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on the morning of Saturday, October 24, for 10 days of restoration works. The closure, which runs over the October half-term school holidays, is in place to prepare the bridge for its next phase of restoration, which is about to reach its most visually striking stage.
Closure planned for half-term to reduce disruption
Newcastle City Council said it had timed the 10-day closure to coincide with the October half-term break, when fewer cars are expected on the road at peak times. However, warnings of major travel disruption on the North East's roads have been raised, with surrounding routes in Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region expected to be “significantly busier than usual”.
People have been advised to use public transport where possible, and drivers have been told to avoid central Tyneside and instead use the A1, Tyne Tunnel, and Scotswood Bridge to cross the Tyne.
New scaffolding to allow arch repairs
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 move repair works 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.
