Bridge closed off for safety inspections

SOUTH Tyneside Council has announced the immediate closure of a bridge in South Shields, so that it can undergo safety inspections.

- By OWEN YOUNGER

Heugh Street Bridge, located on River Drive, has been closed to all moving traffic, but pedestrian access will remain in place.

This decision comes after a recent engineering review of the 85-year-old structure, which indicated that a closer examination is necessary to fully understand its current condition and inform potential next steps.

Therefore, the bridge has been closed to vehicles to remove any risk to the public and allow engineers to carry out a full assessment.

Councillor Ernest Gibson said: "Public safety is our absolute priority. This is a decision based on the latest engineering advice.