Work date for bridge at 'serious' risk of collapse
GoogleWork to address safety concerns at a railway bridge across a major road is due to be carried out next year, it has been announced.
The bridge carrying Tyne and Wear Metro trains crosses the A19 near Howdon, North Tyneside, and operator Nexus discovered a "lack of protection measures" meant there was a "serious risk of collapse" if the structure were to be hit by a large vehicle.
The issue is not related to the structural condition of the crossing, but the inadequacy of crash barriers on the central reservation.
A four-week project of works on the bridge, which is close to the Tyne Tunnel's northern entrance, is expected to take place in early 2027, Nexus said.
While it was not expected to disrupt Metro services, some temporary lane closures on the A19 would be needed, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Safety concerns were first reported in 2024.
In January this year the bridge was struck by a car transporter, causing Metro services to be suspended for about 90 minutes.
Nexus said installing additional concrete crash barriers and a "cushioning system" would protect the bridge's central support pillars.
The company has set aside a budget of £58,000 for the work but it said this could rise as the final design is agreed.