Major demolition works that have closed one of Tyneside's busiest junctions are progressing well, according to Gateshead Council. The Park Lane roundabout, which links the Felling Bypass to the Tyne Bridge, has been shut since July 25 to allow for the section of the closed A167 flyover above it to be torn down.
This phase has been described as the most challenging in the removal of the flyover, which was closed in December 2024 due to fears that the crumbling concrete structure was at risk of collapse. The closure has forced traffic that would normally use the roundabout on a daily basis to divert elsewhere.
Progress on Demolition
Contractors BAM are now nearly three weeks into the Park Lane works, which are scheduled to finish next Friday, August 21. Dramatic photos show how big a change the demolition has made to one of the most recognisable roads in the area. Most of the flyover road above the roundabout has now gone, as have the access ramps adjacent to the former Union Electric Steel plant.
The final three out of seven spans of that section of the flyover still need to be pulled down, while around 2,000 tonnes of crushed stone will also need to be cleared away before the roundabout can reopen.
Official Statement
A Gateshead Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The demolition of the flyover around Park Lane roundabout is progressing well. The closure of the road began on Saturday 25th July, so we are now almost three weeks into this intense period of 24/7 working. The team from BAM and Thompsons have completely removed the access ramps, and the first four spans of the flyover at its northernmost point. They are now working through span five, then six and still need to complete span seven before the road re-opens. The team are using steel road plates and timber mats to protect the road, along with approx 2,000 tonnes of crushed stone, which will all need removing before the roundabout can be reopened.”
Bridge Closure and Safety Concerns
Earlier this week, the council was forced to block vehicles from a small bridge near Gateshead Stadium Metro station to stop large trucks using it as they look for alternative routes during the Park Lane closure. The single-lane bridge on St James' Road has a weight restriction of just 7.5 tonnes, but several HGVs were seen using it – including one weighing over 40 tonnes.
Council transport bosses said that such incidents were a risk to both the bridge itself and Metro services, as the rail lines run directly beneath it. The local authority said: “The drivers of these large vehicles appear to be attempting to divert from the closure of Park Lane roundabout, but are not using the signposted diversion via Heworth which does not rely on weight restricted or height restricted routes. As a safety precaution, the bridge will remain closed for the remaining period that Park Lane roundabout is closed, which is due to finish on Friday 21st August. Pedestrians and cyclists can continue to use the bridge.”
Cost and Future Plans
The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed last month that the overall cost of demolishing the flyover is expected to have risen to around £31 million. Gateshead Council had originally set aside an £18 million budget for the works. It is hoped that the project can be fully completed by October. But damage incurred during the demolition means that the road beneath the flyover, connecting the Five Bridges and Park Lane roundabouts, will have to remain closed.
Long-term regeneration plans for the area are yet to be confirmed, though the council believes that removing the flyover could pave the way for an influx of new housing and other developments to help breathe fresh life into the town centre.
