A bridge of sighs again

Reporter MOTORISTS face more disruption this weekend as a second busy Tyne crossing is to be closed for roadworks in the space of a week.

Last Sunday, the Redheugh Bridge was shut for the best part of a day for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

This Sunday it is the turn of Scotswood Bridge, a popular route to take to and from the A1 towards the Gateshead MetroCentre.

The bridge will be closed in both directions between 6am and 6pm to enable workmen to clean gullies, inspect and clean expansion joints and inspect and repair road lighting.

The work is expected to take most of the day.

Because very high pressure water jets will be in use throughout the day, there is a potential risk to traffic from flying debris.

The bridge will therefore be completely closed while the work is carried out.

Temporary road signs will direct motorists on to a diversion route while the bridge is closed.

Regular bridge users will already be aware of the temporary closure as signs warning motorists of Sunday’s maintenance works were erected around the area last month.

A council spokesman said: “All of the bridges across the Tyne carry a great deal of traffic and the Scotswood Bridge is no exception.

“It is therefore essential to carry out regular maintenance.

“We normally do this work on a Sunday so we inconvenience the fewest people.

“We will have fully signposted diversion routes during the day and we are aiming to have the work finished before 6pm if possible.”