Drivers warned of nearly four week long closure as next stage of Gateshead flyover demolition gets underway
The latest update on the Gateshead Flyover demmolition is set to impact a ket route for South Tyneside drivers.
After months of work the next stage of the Gateshead flyover demolition is now underway, and it may cause issues for South Tyneside drivers.
Previously carrying thousands of cars across Gateshead and towards both Newcastle and wider Tyneside each day, the structure closed in December 2024 after inspections revealed significant safety concerns and structural risks.
Early April saw a nearby building demolished, which it was claimed will allow for better access to the flyover when its demolition started.
That work is now underway and, after one junction near the structure reopened after allowing space for work, another key closure will be in place soon.
An update on the demolition progress from Gateshead Council said the Park Lane Roundabout has now closed, and will remain unavailable for “just under four weeks” according to a statement posted to social media.
A further part of the statement adds: “As many of you’ll have seen, we’re now over halfway through the flyover demolition.
“Now we’ve finished work around Five Bridges and the roundabout has been reopened, we’re starting to tackle the Park Lane roundabout section. It’ll be closed for just under 4 weeks, and after this we’ll reopen that roundabout too.”
The latest closure started at 8pm on Saturday, July 25. It will remain in place until and remain in place until Friday, August 21 - a total of 26 days.
The Park Lane roundabout is one of the key junctions for drivers travelling into central Gateshead or Newcastle City Centre from South Tyneside and Sunderland, who usually meet the roundabout from the Felling Bypass.
Diversions are in place across the route, with more information and route advice available from the Gateshead Council website.
The Council has also said the road linking Five Bridges and Park Lane roundabouts will remain closed beyond this phase of the demolition. It is thought significant damage will be caused to the carriageway beneath the flyover as demolition work takes place overhead.
On social media Tyne and Wear Metro teams have said: “People are being urged to avoid the area where possible and consider using public transport to help minimise disruption.”