00:00Yep, it has officially been six months since the A167 flyover was abruptly closed, causing
00:05chaos around the region.
00:07The 1960s built flyover, which once carried around 40,000 vehicles daily, was shot on
00:12the December 13th last year by Gateshead Council, sparking travel disruption, including a near
00:18two-week metro service suspension between Gateshead and Newcastle.
00:23While urgent work stabilised structure, the flyover has remained closed to all traffic
00:27since and is now up for demolition later this year, with preparation work expected to begin
00:33soon and full demolition set to start in September.
00:37Gateshead Council has allocated £18 million for the project, emphasising the need for
00:42careful planning to protect the underground metro tunnels beneath the town during demolition.
00:48Among the options being considered is dismantling the flyover intersections to be moved and broken
00:54down elsewhere, while the two concrete footbridges at five bridges round about may be demolished
01:00using explosives.
01:02Council leader Martin Gannon stressed the importance of a controlled, safe demolition
01:06process that minimises disruption to local transport.
01:11The flyover's removal is also seen as a major opportunity to revitalise Gateshead Town Centre,
01:17which the Council aims to make more attractive for residents, visitors and investors alike.
01:22Importantly, the demolition will not affect this year's Great North Run, with work scheduled
01:27to begin only after the race on September 7th.
01:31The event will continue on its traditional route without disruption.
01:35As the flyover removal moves closer, Gateshead faces both the challenges and possibilities
01:39that come with reshaping, a vital part of its infrastructure and urban landscape.
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