Demolition works draw to close as Coast Road to open
THE Coast Road is set to fully reopen this morning after a weekend of demolition work.
Engineers have removed the last section of the Norham Road Bridge which has crossed the A1058 in North Shields for more than 50 years.
The road beneath the bridge was closed throughout the weekend but was set to reopen in the early hours of today.
Over the weekend, drivers had to leave and rejoin the Coast Road via the Norham Road slip roads.
Most of the bridge was removed last year but a small section for pedestrians and cyclists was left standing.
North Tyneside Council warned motorists that the work could create delays but added it been planned carefully to minimise disruption.
A spokesman said: “We are very pleased to be entering the final stage of this very important project and we thank people once again for their patience during the work.”
Demolition work was carried out throughout Saturday night while contractors cleared and removed debris and re-installing safety barriers yesterday.
Meanwhile, work to build the new bridge is also making progress.
Once the whole project is complete in the summer, the new crossing will have four lanes and there will be traffic lights at both slip road junctions.