The A167 Gateshead Flyover demolition will not affect this year’s Great North Run, with work scheduled to begin only after the race on September the 7th. The event will continue on its traditional route without disruption.
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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.