<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif">Sent on behalf of the Rota Mgr</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">In partnership with ESH Construction, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council will begin a four year major restoration project of the Tyne Bridge beginning on Thursday 4th April 2024.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">In order to carry out these repairs, there will be significant disruption to the transport network whilst works take place, including a <u>full</u> closure of the bridge on Wednesday 3rd April 2024, to allow for traffic management systems to be implemented.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">Traffic will be reduced to just two lanes for a minimum of two years (one northbound and one southbound) across the Tyne Bridge (A167), with further full bridge closures expected as work progresses, anticipated to be night closures.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">Further restrictions will also be in place on both the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides to allow for scaffolding to be raised in the early stages of the work.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">These measures will result in heavy congestion on all approaches to the Tyne Bridge on both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides, and members of the public have been advised to seek alternative routes and methods of travel.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26)">There will be high levels of disruption across Tyne and Wear as people seek to use other river crossings such as A1, A19, Tyne Tunnel, Scotswood, Redheugh and Swing Bridges, especially at weekends.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif">Vehicles travelling north into the city are advised to use the Tyne Tunnel which may also be busier than usual but a better option than other routes. However be aware of the pending weekend closures for the Tyne Tunnel.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif">Shift Controllers to be mindful when taking jobs from the QE hospital. Please advise the caller of the problems and potential delays in delivery times, even considering not accepting the job if this is likely to seriously affect our operational cover.&nbsp; Shift Controllers to&nbsp;report any issues affecting operations up to Committee on Call to allow for any contingency planning to take place.</span></span></p>