00:00The Gateshead flyover, part of the A167 highway, has stood empty for the past 10 months after being shut down last December over fears it could collapse.
00:09But now Gateshead Council has confirmed a long-awaited timetable to bring the structure down, although residents will have to wait a little longer to see it disappear completely.
00:20Before the flyover itself is tackled, the vacant computer house built in at the south end of Gateshead High Street will be demolished first.
00:27This will allow engineers proper access to the elevated structure. Contractors will move on to the site near Sunderland Road on October 20th to begin setting up.
00:37The actual demolition of the 900-metre-long flyover is expected to start early in the new year. The aim is to have it largely gone by May 2026, paving the way for a major regeneration of the surrounding town centre.
00:50The Council says delays to the project are due to its complexity. The structure runs directly above Tynanwea metro tunnels.
00:57The middle section will be removed first, allowing Park Lane and five bridges roundabouts to stay open until the later stages.
01:04Council leader Martin Gannon says the demolition is a major step towards creating a renewed modern town centre, with accessible public spaces, safe walkable streets and green areas.
01:16Residents will remember the travel chaos last Christmas, when metro services across the town were suspended before emergency works could be carried out, and more disruption is on the way.
01:27Overnight closures of Park Lane roundabouts are scheduled for later this week for safety inspections, with further closures to follow as demolition progresses.
01:36The Council has set aside £18 million for the works, with an extra £2.5 million pledged by North East Merck in McGuinness.
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