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The leader of Gateshead Council has urged commuters to avoid peak travel times on Monday, marking the first working day following the closure of the Gateshead Flyover. The flyover was shut down on Friday night after inspections revealed “serious concerns” about its structural integrity, prompting immediate action.
Councillor Martin Gannon informed ChronicleLive that replacing or demolishing the flyover could cost tens of millions, and he has called on the Central Government for financial support.
In the short term, the focus is on mitigating the impact of the closure on the approximately 40,000 motorists and commuters who rely on this route daily. Although diversions have been established for Monday, Gannon cautioned that significant congestion is anticipated.
He stated, “Given the substantial impact of the road closures, we advise commuters to avoid travelling during peak hours, allow extra time for their journeys, and consider alternative routes and public transportation whenever possible. If you can work from home, it will also help reduce disruption. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Additional maintenance inspections are scheduled for the coming days. The Park Lane Roundabout (at the junction with A184 Felling bypass) will be closed from 7 PM on Sunday until 6 AM on Monday, and the Five Bridges roundabout (at the junction with B1426 Sunderland Road) will be closed from 10 PM on Monday until 6 AM on Tuesday, with comprehensive diversion routes in place.
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