Fences protecting pedestrians from ailing Gateshead Flyover brought down twice by vandals
by Austen Shakespeare · ChronicleLiveGateshead Council has urged the public not to walk under the troubled A167 flyover, after barriers were forcibly taken down.
Following inspections last Friday, the A167 flyover has become an official no-go zone, with motorists and pedestrians blocked from using it. Recent monitoring highlighted serious concerns with one of the flyover's concrete supporting pillars, bringing the structural integrity of the road into question.
The council also blocked off roads under and adjacent to the flyover. However, fences deterring pedestrians from using a section of Sunderland Road beneath the flyover were discovered untied and pushed over on both sides on Monday morning and again on Tuesday.
The local authority is in the process of strengthening the fencing to prevent further trespassing.
Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “We have put safety fencing in place around the whole of the concrete structure of the flyover while it is out of use. Our team on site are doing all they can to secure the fencing - it is there to protect people and we would urge everyone to respect the boundary, and take a short diversion to use the open paths at the north or south end of the fencing.
“We need to keep people safe – if you see anybody tampering with the safety fence, or trying to climb over, please report it.”
Gateshead Council has advised motorist to use its One Network map to keep up to date with traffic diversions.
The leader of Gateshead Council, Coun Martin Gannon, has already issued a plea to commuters, asking them to avoid travelling at peaks times, allow extra time for journeys, and even work from home if possible. Coun Gannon, talking to the BBC, also later said the flyover may never re-open and its demolition or replacement could cost tens of millions.
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