00:00gateshead flyover has carried traffic above the town centre for decades but engineers say the ageing structure now needs to
00:08be dismantled in a controlled way
00:09before major demolition can begin contractors have installed a series of heavy steel props beneath parts of the concrete deck
00:17these temporary supports are designed to hold the weight of the structure while sections are gradually removed
00:23the plan set out by gateshead council and its contractors involves machines working on both sides of the flyover at
00:31the same time
00:32by carefully nibbling away concrete from each side engineers aim to keep the long projecting sections known as cantilevers balanced
00:41the method also allows crews to reach and cut through the steel tendons that run inside the concrete and help
00:49hold the structure together
00:51council leader martin gannon has described the support props as a vital part of the safety plan
00:57saying they help ensure the demolition can take place without putting workers or nearby buildings at risk
01:04before work reaches the central section another building known as computer house is due to be removed
01:09to improve access for machinery protective screens are also expected to be installed near neighbouring
01:15properties and car parks to reduce the risk of debris damaging nearby buildings during demolition
01:21contractors say the staged approach is commonly used on complex structures where balance and controlled removal are essential
