A Newcastle MP has called for urgent Government help to avert years of transport chaos when the Tyne Bridge finally undergoes its much-needed restoration.
Chi Onwurah has demanded that ministers intervene, after it emerged this week that the iconic crossing’s refurbishment could take up to four years – twice as long as had been expected. Local council officials also announced that two lanes of traffic on the deteriorating bridge will have to be shut for the duration of the works, sparking fears of nightmare traffic congestion lasting several years.
Ms Onwurah pleaded for a meeting with transport minister Huw Merriman on Thursday to find a way to lessen the impact of the disruptive works, at a time when rail and bus passengers across the North are already being hit by “atrocious” cancellations. The Labour MP for Newcastle Central said during a House of Commons debate: “As well as being a global icon of the north-east, the Tyne Bridge is a critical part of our transport infrastructure.
