Gateshead Flyover Closure Marked with Cake As Demolition Delayed

Gateshead’s closure of the A167 highway flyover has been marked with a cake to commemorate one year since it was shut down due to safety concerns. Liberal Democrat opposition councillors organized the event on Friday, urging the council to expedite the demolition process that has yet to commence.

The cake, designed to resemble the crumbling flyover, was unveiled by Lib Dem leader Ron Beadle. As he cut into the cake, Beadle called on the Labour-run council to “get on” with demolishing the structure. The flyover was closed in March 2023 after serious safety issues were identified.

Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, had previously suggested the flyover would be demolished by the end of 2023. However, local authorities later indicated that demolition would more likely begin in early 2024, with a target of having the flyover mostly removed by May 2026. The council first plans to demolish the nearby Computer House office block before addressing the flyover itself.

In addressing the delay, Beadle noted the council’s failure to act over the past year. “In March, the leader of Gateshead Council said the flyover would be gone by the end of the year. One year on, nothing has changed,” he stated. He highlighted that the council spent much of the year attributing blame to previous governments while it had not conducted proper inspections for 30 years.

The BBC reported last month that the flyover had not undergone a post-tensioned special inspection (PTSI) for 28 years prior to its closure, raising concerns about the council’s maintenance practices. While council officials argue they maintained a regular inspection regime, they acknowledged that serious issues led to the flyover’s closure.

In response, Gannon defended the council’s actions, stating the closure was a precautionary measure taken after a new inspection of the flyover’s concrete pillars revealed safety concerns. “It was not due to the absence of a PTSI inspection that the flyover closed. It was due to an unanticipated problem with the pier identified during regular inspections,” he clarified.

Gannon emphasized that the council’s priority was public safety, stating, “Yes, I am satisfied that we did the right thing in very difficult circumstances.” He assured that the inspection processes were thorough and aimed at preventing further deterioration of the structure.

Looking ahead, Gannon expressed confidence in the council’s ability to meet the demolition target, which he acknowledged as ambitious given the complexities involved. He stated, “Although I’m advised that the structure should be largely removed by May 2026, we all appreciate that the project is extremely complex and this remains an ambitious target.”

The ongoing situation surrounding the flyover highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in ensuring public safety while managing infrastructure effectively. As the council plans for the future, residents and stakeholders eagerly await the resolution of this long-standing issue.