Planned repairs to the A193 Wallsend Road Bridge have been delayed due to the discovery of a quantity of fly-tipped asbestos on the waggonway beneath the bridge.
North Tyneside Council contractors were due to introduce off-peak lane closures on the bridge whilst work was carried out on the central reservation but, during preparatory works, a quantity of asbestos was found amongst other waste materials dumped by unknown fly-tippers.
The waggonway is a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists so the removal of the asbestos is being treated as a priority.
From Tuesday 31 January work will begin to remove the asbestos in a safe and controlled manner – and this is likely to take around two weeks.
To avoid risk to waggonway users, the path will be closed each day in both directions between 9am and 4pm.
During this closure, southbound pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted along Mindrum Terrace to a lights-controlled crossing at the south end of Norham Road. From there they will be directed across Wallsend Road and Waterville Road using the existing pedestrian refuges, before picking up the waggonway again on Burdon Street.
Northbound pedestrians and cyclists will be able to follow this route in reverse – and the diversion will be clearly signposted both ways.
North Tyneside Councillor John Harrison, Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport, said: “We wish to apologise for the inconvenience this closure will cause to the many walkers and cyclists who use the waggonway, but we hope they understand that removing this dangerous substance quickly and safely is our main priority.”
Once all traces of asbestos have been safely removed, work will resume on the road bridge. Work is now expected to begin during week commencing 20 February.