Shields Ferry repair costs and timescale unclear as service remains suspended for 'at least a few weeks'
The cost and timeframe for “extensive” repairs needed to get the Shields Ferry running again remain unclear.
The ferry service between North and South Shields, which would usually cross the river 60 times a day, has been off since January 29 due to damage suffered during Storm Chandra and will be suspended for the rest of February at least.
Transport bosses have now confirmed that the problem relates to damaged bolts at the North Shields landing which need to be replaced, while the structure also requires further specialist surveys before it can safely reopen.
There have long been worries about the state of the Smiths Dock landing, which was modernised in 2004, and its potential to jeopardise the entire future of the ferry.
After years of warnings and repeated delays in the effort to replace it, a new landing at the North Shields Fish Quay is expected to open in 2027 – at a cost of £24 million.
When approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, ferry and Metro operator Nexus said it was still assessing the cost of fixing the current landing in the meantime.
John Souter, Nexus’ head of customer service operations, added that the works will take “at least a few weeks”.
Mr Souter said: “The damage to the North Shields landing which is causing the current service suspension is structural.
“Bolts were damaged by Storm Chandra and they need to be replaced by specialist engineers, along with further specialist surveys of the structure.
“The repairs will be funded by Nexus and we are in the process of confirming the cost.
“We’re working hard to restore ferry services. The works are extensive and they will take at least a few weeks to complete. They will be undertaken by specialist maritime engineers. We’re working closely with them on this.
“In the meantime, we will continue to provide a replacement bus service. We’re sorry for the ongoing inconvenience caused to customers.”
Belfast-based construction and civil engineering firm McLaughlin & Harvey was recently appointed to build the new Fish Quay landing, on a contract valued at £23.9 million and paid for by Nexus and the North East mayor’s office.
That news came as a welcome relief after years of setbacks in the efforts to push the project forward, during which time the price tag for the new development escalated from just £8.8 million quoted in 2020.
A grant for £5.6 million awarded to Nexus from the Government’s Getting Building Fund was lost because it was tied to “strict” timescales requiring construction to be finished by spring 2022, while the new landing was also part of an unsuccessful Levelling Up Fund bid from North Tyneside Council.
A replacement bus via the Tyne Tunnel is running while the ferry service is off, leaving on and at half past the hour, though it takes considerably longer than the seven-minute boat journey.
Cyclists trying to cross the river have been advised to use the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel instead, as bikes are not allowed on the buses, but that is further up river between Jarrow and Howdon.