Newcastle City Council has closed the Redheugh Bridge due to high winds as Storm Boelo continues to batter the North East. The decision was made this afternoon, with a yellow weather warning still in place.
The closure comes while the Tyne Bridge is also shut as part of restoration work, causing traffic disruption for those travelling in and out of Newcastle city centre. The council said it had no choice but to close the River Tyne crossing, which connects with Gateshead.
Council statement and alternative routes
In a statement posted on social media, the council said: "The Redheugh Bridge has this afternoon been closed due to high winds and motorists are being advised to only travel if necessary."
The council spokesperson continued: "We understand this causes further disruption with the 10-day closure of the Tyne Bridge over half term but the decision has been taken with public safety in mind."
Motorists are advised: "If travel is essential then please use the A1, Tyne Tunnel, Scotswood Bridge or Swing Bridge to cross the River Tyne but please consider staying at home if possible."
The council added: "Our crews are out across the city responding to the storm this weekend to keep communities safe and infrastructure clear. Thank you to everyone on duty in these tough conditions, and we will keep you updated."
Wider disruption across the region
The storm has also affected train travel, with Northern Rail announcing the cancellation of all services on routes between Carlisle, Hexham, and Newcastle, and disruption expected until the end of Monday. CrossCountry said its services north of Newcastle would be subject to delays, and Tyne and Wear Metro services were also suspended.
Thousands of households across the region have been left without power. At Newcastle International Airport, flights were unable to land safely and were diverted to other UK airports due to the winds, while planned events including the Quayside and Tynemouth markets were called off.
In Birtley, Gateshead, Northern Powergrid workers were on site removing a fallen tree at Malone Gardens, just outside of Birtley East Community Primary School, which brought down some power lines along with it.
