Gateshead flyover demolition enters final phase as costs climb

Materials equivalent to the weight of around two and a half Eiffel Towers have already been removed (Image: BAM UK & Ireland)

More than 19,600 tonnes of material have already been demolished, processed and removed from the site, according to contractor BAM UK & Ireland and demolition specialist Thompsons of Prudhoe.

The completion of phase two marks a significant milestone in the removal of the 1960s structure, with the final stage expected to be the most technically challenging.

“Our team has successfully completed Phase Two of the specialist demolition works for BAM UK & Ireland, safely demolishing the five southern bridges over an intensive 20-day programme of coordinated day and night shifts,” said Thompsons.

“Works have now progressed to the southern abutment before entering the next phase, which will see a further 15,000 tonnes removed.”

The 900 m-long flyover was closed in December 2024 after engineers identified serious structural defects, prompting Gateshead Council to conclude that demolition was the safest long-term solution.

The final stage is considered to be the most complex (Image: Thompsons of Prudhoe)

The project began earlier this year and is expected to pave the way for the redevelopment of the town centre, including accessible public spaces, safe walkable streets, new green areas and potential new housing developments.

However, the cost of the project has risen significantly. According to the BBC, Gateshead Council has confirmed that the demolition is now expected to cost approximately £31 million, compared with the £18 million originally allocated in the authority’s budget.

The increase has been attributed to the complexity of the works and the extensive safety measures required around critical infrastructure.