Major £1.5million refurbishment set for Jarrow's Albert Road bridge

A £1.5million refurbishment of a Jarrow bridge is to get underway next year.
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South Tyneside Council has secured £1.479million of funding to carry out major works on Albert Road bridge in Jarrow.

The cash from the Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund will be used to carry out ‘essential major structural refurbishment’ to the bridge which carries the A185 road, crossing the railway line.

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Bosses say they expect to receive the funding next spring, with work due to start in summer 2021.

Albert Road bridge on the A185, Jarrow.Albert Road bridge on the A185, Jarrow.
Albert Road bridge on the A185, Jarrow.

The bridge which was constructed in 1969 was last refurbished in 1998.

An inspection in 2018 highlighted the poor condition of the bridge due to its age and exposure to the elements and the need for significant refurbishment.

The work will include structural repairs, resurfacing, new bridge joints and full re-waterproofing.

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South Tyneside is one of 32 local authorities in England, outside of London to receive a slice of £93million of funding from the Department of Transport.

The Challenge Fund allows local highway authorities to carry out major maintenance projects and aims to keep traffic moving and bridges open with well-maintained roads, in a drive to support communities and local businesses.

Coun Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Housing and Transport, said: “We were delighted that we were successful in our bid for almost £1.5m from the Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.

“The money will be used to carry out essential major structural refurbishment to the Albert Road Bridge, on the A185 in Jarrow.”

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He added: “We expect to receive the funding at the start of the next financial year and plan to start the work in the summer once a contractor has been appointed.”

Jarrow MP, Kate Osborne has praised the council for its success in securing the funds for the refurbishment project, describing it as “brilliant news” for Jarrow.

She commented: “Well done to South Tyneside Council on securing this funding from the Government.”

"This valuable funding will provide refurbishment to this important piece of local transport infrastructure in the area and I’ll do everything I can as MP to bring more funding to my constituency."