Image demonstrating Ovingham footbridge to be replaced

Ovingham footbridge to be replaced

The footbridge deck at one of Northumberland’s most famous river crossings is to be fully replaced.

The footbridge at Ovingham Bridge will be removed and replaced in sections, starting at the north end of the bridge and working south.  The decking of the pedestrian walkway has deteriorated in recent years, meaning it now needs to be replaced.

The works will start on August 12 and are expected to continue until September 1, with works being carried out between 7am and 4pm. Throughout the whole three-week period it will be necessary to close the roadbridge to vehicles 24-hours a day to allow it to be used by pedestrians and cyclists (who have to dismount and walk across). 

The footpaths underneath the footbridges will also have to be closed for certain periods while works are being carried out overhead and will be reopened as soon as the section is completed. 

However, users of the Tyne Riverside Country Park will still be able to access the cafe, car park, play area and toilet and with signed pedestrian diversion routes being put in place so users can still access footpaths / bridleways along the riverside.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “The work is part of our annual investment in our road network and will improve the footbridge for years to come.

“We always work to minimise disruption but to ensure the safety of pedestrians we need to close the roadbridge to vehicles while this work is done. We’d like to thank the local community and everyone who uses this bridge for their understanding while the scheme is underway.”

The diversion route for cars will be via Wylam Bridge and Crawcrook.
 
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