Roadworks at an early end
BYPASS TO BE FINISHED TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE
Reporter ROADWORKS on a major commuter route that have caused rush-hour chaos are set to finish two weeks ahead of schedule.
Motorists using the Felling bypass in Gateshead have endured two months of misery since work to install new crash barriers and lighting, between Whitemere Pool and Heworth roundabout, began.
The bypass has been reduced to a single lane in both directions, since October 10, causing huge tailbacks at peak times.
And crash barriers have also been installed along the central reservation to protect cross-over accidents.
The work had originally been scheduled to last until December 23, but crews have made faster progress than expected and the lanes are now expected to re-open this week-end – two weeks ahead of schedule.
Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for development, transport against and public protection at Gateshead Council, said: “We’ve been fortunate with the weather and even though we had a small amount of snow last week we’ve still been able to crack on with the work.
“We know these essential works have caused some delay to people’s journeys, especially during the morning rush, but we’ve been working seven days a week to get them finished as quickly as we can. We appreciate people’s patience and I’d like to thank our team for doing such a good job, getting it done two weeks ahead of schedule.”
The works are being carried out in advance of major structural repairs at the Heworth roundabout which are expected to start