Bridges still closed almost six months on
THE Silverlink triple-decker roundabout has been open to traffic for nearly six months but cyclists and pedestrians are still unable to use the new bridges at the site.
The Highways England project to create the new-look junction, which connects the A19 and A1058 Coast Road in North Tyneside, was completed at the end of March.
Since then, thousands of drivers have been able to drive straight through, with those on the A19 not having to stop at the roundabout any more.
However, the new bridges for pedestrians and cyclists, that were also installed as part of the scheme, are still closed.
Walkers and cyclists are using the footpaths around the roundabout to get across.
Highways England has now explained the reason for the delays and have confirmed it will be opening the bridges by the end of this month.
A spokesperson said: “There has been a delay to this work due to a number of ongoing issues with some of the bridge bearings which have prevented us opening them safely.
“Bridge bearings allow the bridge to move in a controlled way when under stresses and strains of use and during changes in temperatures and weather.
“This work is nearing completion and we expect to have the cycle bridges opened by the end of this month.
“In the meantime we would advise cyclists and pedestrians to continue using the footpaths around the roundabout as they have been.”
The Silverlink junction is used by around 80,000 vehicles a day. from