Work starts on new Tyne Bridge pedestrian tunnels

NEW pedestrian tunnels will be constructed on the Tyne Bridge as the North East icon's restoration reaches a new milestone.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Engineers are now 18 months into a four-year project to restore the rusted bridge to its former glory in time for its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2028.

The next phase of the major maintenance scheme is now seeing new 'up and over' scaffolding installed to allow repairs and repainting work move from the underside of the bridge onto the main deck, before later moving up its famous archway.

That will mean that enclosed pedestrian tunnels will have to be built on the footways on either side of the bridge, to allow people to cross safely while work is being carried out. A tunnel on the west side of the bridge is expected to be ready to use from early 2026, with the east side to follow later.