Bridge work’s next phase to start

THE next phase of work to build a new bridge over the Coast Road is due to take place tomorrow.

The old Norham Road bridge, which crossed over the A1058 Coast Road in North Shields, has been demolished and a new crossing is being developed in its place.

Tomorrow, work will begin to construct a new central bridge pier and concrete will be poured over the structure.

North Tyneside Council says that, in order to carry out this work quickly and safely, the westbound A1058 Coast Road running underneath the bridge will be closed from 9.30am and traffic will be diverted ‘up and down’ the slip roads. However, the eastbound Coast Road will remain open.

All being well, the westbound carriageway will re-open later the same day – well before the afternoon peak period.

Pedestrian and cycle access across the Coast Road will be maintained throughout.

A council spokesman said: “Once work to build the new central pier has finished, the next – very visible – milestone will see the delivery and installation of new concrete beams on the western part of the bridge.

“At present, the contractors are looking to do this work at the start of May.

“While work continues on the construction of the new bridge, all businesses on Norham Road – both north and south of the Coast Road – remain open as usual.”

Once the project is complete in the summer, the new bridge will have four lanes and there will be traffic lights at both slip road junctions.