Key crossing reopens, but lane restrictions receive mixed reaction

NEWPORT BRIDGE MAINTENANCE WORK NOW COMPLETED

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

NEWPORT Bridge’s new northbound lane reduction has sparked a debate by readers.

The Teesside bridge, a key route in and out of Middlesbrough, has reopened after two months of major maintenance work.

The Grade II listed structure, which links Middlesbrough and Stockton, has been undergoing essential improvements throughout July and August to prepare it for the start of the new school term and heavier traffic flows.

Contractors Balfour Beatty replaced bearings and top plates, installed new crash barriers and updated road markings.

The bridge reopened fully to vehicles on Thursday.

However, drivers have been advised of a new road layout on the bridge.

The northbound carriageway will now be reduced to one lane due to narrow lanes and the installation of a new Vehicle Restraint System, though both southbound lanes, will remain open.

The project was delivered as a joint effort between Stockton Council and Middlesbrough Council.

But readers have had their say on the works with a selection of their comments below: