Clear and present danger
COUNCIL BEGINS TO REMOVE ASBESTOS FOUND UNDER BRIDGE
Reporter WORK has finally started to remove asbestos found dumped under a bridge – delaying road repairs for around three months.
In January, North Tyneside Council was due to introduce lane closures on the A193 Wallsend Road Bridge, in North Shields, so the project to repair the 50-year-old bridge could begin.
However, during the preparatory stage, a quantity of asbestos was found near the waggonway beneath the structure, among other waste material dumped by flytippers.
The waggonway is a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists, and procedures were put in place to start the removal of the substance safely. This involved lengthy discussions with the Environment Agency.
Now, a specialist contractor has moved on to the site and has begun work to take away the asbestos. The job is likely to take around two weeks, and the path beneath the bridge will be closed at all times until the removal is complete.
The council says the asbestos poses no danger to people while undisturbed.
A council spokesman said: “North Tyneside Council wishes to apologise for the inconvenience the waggonway closure is likely to cause to those who use it but hopes all users understand the need to remove this dangerous substance quickly and safely.
“During the closure, southbound pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted along Mindrum Terrace to a lights-controlled crossing at the south end of Norham Road.
“From there they will be directed across Wallsend Road and Waterville Road using the existing pedestrian refuges, before picking up the waggonway again on Burdon Street.
“Northbound pedestrians and cyclists will be able to follow this route in reverse – and the diversion will be clearly signposted in both directions.”
Once all traces of asbestos have been removed, the waggonway will reopen and work will resume on the bridge repairs.
The Wallsend Road Bridge, near the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, is suffering “concrete fatigue” after five decades in service and requires major improvements.