The North East will probe transport links after the Gateshead Flyover closure. Concerns grow about roads,bridges, and funding for repairs
The A167 flyover closed suddenly in December. It might collapse. It will stay closed until demolition. The flyover was built in the 1960s. Other roads cause concern too.
The Tyne Bridge needs major work. It’s the first big job in twenty years. The government promised £6 million for the bridge and Central Motorway. This funding is uncertain.
Concrete is crumbling on the Redheugh Bridge. The Swing Bridge hasn’t opened in five years. Newly-built Allerdene Bridge has welding problems. These issues made the news recently.
A restoration program is planned. It will prevent major damage later. The authority will decide on funding in March. They will assess key highways. This informs future investment and funding. Councils in the region will receive money.
A transport head wants proactive repairs. National highway funding has stagnated since 2019. Costs have increased because of inflation. The mayor offered flyover demolition money, leading to anger from Durham and Northumberland councils. They said it wasn’t her role.
Accountability must be clear, said a councillor. Checks are needed for councils. They must keep their maintenance promises. The authority’s budget should support its goals, however, it should not fix local failures, another said.
Councils should get a fair share of funds. This followed the Gateshead funding dispute. The authority has not paid for the flyover demolition.
One person criticized a council leader. He had opposed a regional mayor previously. Now, he seeks money from the mayor. Another said these meetings are not for politics.
