Government Open to Talks on Redheugh Bridge Concrete Repair Funding

The government says they’ll talk about Redheugh Bridge repairs. The bridge has concrete problems. Officials think repairs could cost over £1 million. Concerns arose after flyover issues.

Funding for North East transport is also in question. A1 dualling was cancelled, and Durham funding got cut by £50 million. Tyne Bridge restoration still needs £6 million.

Gateshead Flyover’s future is uncertain, as the government hasn’t offered help for it. A minister answered a question about the Redheugh Bridge. Lord Hendy said they’d discuss support options.

Councils oversee the bridge. The Newcastle and Gateshead Joint Bridges Committee handles it. They are part of the North-East Combined Authority. No central fund exists for these repairs, Hendy stated.

Discussions about support are still possible. Budget 2024 added £500 million for highways. This will allow authorities to do more repairs.

The North East Combined Authority gets an extra £21.7 million. This is on top of existing funds, and the Mayor decides how to use these funds. They maintain highways, bridges, and other assets.

A report mentioned concrete issues on the bridge. Opened in 1983, it suffers from concrete cracking. Debris could fall and harm people, and a car park section got closed already. A blocked pipe causes water build-up beneath the bridge. Hendy also answered about Tyne Bridge funding, and a decision will follow a Spending Review.