Motorists are expected to rejoice tomorrow as Newport Bridge reopens - bringing the “daily nightmare” commute to a close.
A large tunnel-style scaffold has been constructed which will enable motorists to once again use the A1032 road which crosses the bridge while the remaining repairs and repainting take place.
There will be a 17.5 tonne weight limit throughout the works – this will prevent use by some heavy goods vehicles but buses will be unaffected.
Access for cyclists and pedestrians will be maintained throughout.
Newport Bridge has been closed since the end of July.
It was set to reopen at the start of September but this date was delayed after damage was discovered to the structure.
Stockton Council then said the bridge would reopen on October 6 but later announced two further set backs.
Speaking previously, Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said the local economy is being “significantly damaged” due to the major delays.
“Motorists know that maintenance work has to be carried out and that inevitably causes disruption; it’s simply unavoidable.
“But this has gone on for much longer than first anticipated.”
“I am sure that (the reopening) will be a great relief to everyone who has been caught up in the congestion,” he added.
“The sooner we get back to normal the better.”
Gazette readers have also posted their own reactions to the closure of Newport Bridge.
Christopher Hackworth posted: “I live up near Peterlee and work in Boro town centre, the commute during non-school time was approx 60 minutes, it’s about 90 minutes a day now.”
Chris Quincey blasted: “Pathetic. Takes me between on average 90 minutes each way to travel 17 miles to Trimdon. Lost so much time at work and wasted gallons of fuel. You arrive at work late, irate and frustrated.”
And Jamie Parker posted: “Absolute joke 45 minutes to do a ten minute journey from Billingham to Acklam every morning...get your act together.”
As reported exclusively by the Gazette, the cost of the much-delayed project has spiralled from £1.6m to a staggering £4.1m - owing to the unforeseen damage on the 80-year-old Grade II structure.
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