Report a problem with a bridge or highway structure

Report a problem with a bridge or highway structure

If you would like to report a problem on a bridge or other highway structure (footbridges, subways, retaining walls and culverts), please contact Your Local Services by:

 

If you want to report a problem found on the bridges across the Tyne, please use the contact phone numbers below.

 

Bridge Name Responsibility  Contact
Tyne Bridge Newcastle Council 0191 278 7878
Swing Bridge Newcastle Council 0191 278 7878
Newburn Bridge Newcastle Council  0191 278 7878
High Level Bridge (road surface & lighting) Newcastle Council 0191 278 7878
King Edward Bridge Network Rail 08457 114 141
High Level Bridge (structure) Network Rail 08457 114 141
Queen Elizabeth II Bridge Nexus 0191 203 3333
Scotswood Bridge Gateshead Council 0191 433 3000
Millennium Footbridge Gateshead Council 0191 433 3000
Redheugh Bridge Gateshead Council 0191 433 3000
Blaydon Bridge Highways England 0300 123 5000

 

We are responsible for the management and maintenance of the City's bridges and other highway structures in our care. The purpose of this work is to maintain structures under our control to an acceptable level of repair and safe standard. Highway structures are structures that cross, carry, support, go under, over or run adjacent to the highway.

We are responsible for 334 highway structures including:

  • 61 bridges
  • 41 footbridges
  • 24 subways
  • 88 retaining walls
  • 36 culverts (a drainage structure which passes beneath a highway embankment - normally rectangular or circular in shape).

 

We prepare a maintenance programme to make sure our bridges are safe using information from inspections that are carried out on a regular basis. We manage and maintain our highway structures by carrying out the following procedures.

  • Inspections
  • Maintenance of records
  • Bridge assessment and strengthening
  • Steady state maintenance and upgrading
  • Minor maintenance
  • Emergency maintenance
  • Inspections.

We carry out 'general inspections' on all structures every two years and 'principal inspections' every six years. During an inspection we monitor the condition of the structure and identify any minor or emergency works that may be required. A general inspection is a visual inspection and a principal inspection is a close detailed inspection that often involves testing of the structure.

 

Maintenance of records.

We produce, update and maintain records relating to highway structures. These records are then used in any inspection, assessment or maintenance works associated with the structure. The records include the design of the structure and the materials used in construction. The exact location of the structure is also included together with the maintenance history and ownership details.

 

Bridge assessment and strengthening.

An assessment involves the inspection and analysis of a structure. The purpose of this is so that we can find out its load carrying capacity. The information is then used to manage the highway network and the movement of abnormal loads. From the assessment results we may identify the need to carry out strengthening works. We prepare both the detailed design and contract documentation for the work and supervise the construction on site.

Steady state maintenance and upgrading. This is the major maintenance of highway structures that includes:

  • painting of steel structures
  • concrete repairs
  • bridge deck waterproofing
  • application of non-slip surfacing
  • steelwork repairs
  • bridge joint repairs
  • drainage repairs
  • application of silane and other protective coatings
  • upgrading of structural elements identified as being substandard.

 

Routine maintenance.

Routine maintenance is work that the Department of Transport recommends should be carried out on all structures. The work relates to the servicing of structures to prolong their life. If this work is not carried out it would lead to rapid deterioration of the structure and the need for more serious and costly repairs in the future. Examples of routine maintenance are:

  • removing vegetation from structures
  • cleaning drainage channels and drainage runs
  • repairing gap sealant at movement joints
  • checking mechanical fixings for example nuts and bolts.

 

Minor maintenance.

This is work done every year and is paid from our revenue budget. It covers a limited amount of steady state maintenance. The work typically includes:

  • concrete repairs
  • non slip surfacing
  • renovation of footbridges
  • parapet and safety fencing repairs.

 

Emergency maintenance.

This is work done every year and is paid from our revenue budget. It covers 'wear and tear', accident and vandal damage to structures. The work typically includes damaged and dangerous steps and parapet damage after vehicle impact. Costs for the work may be recovered if the damage was caused by accident.

 

Technical Approval

All proposed structures within the public highway boundary or which provide support to the public highway are subject to Technical Approval.  This includes structures proposed for Adoption or others associated with private developments. The objectives of the Technical Approval Procedures are to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that highway structures are safe and serviceable in use and fit for their intended purpose. To discuss the process of Technical Approval and make a formal submission contact our structures section on 0191 211 5931.

 

Abnormal Load

You need approval for moving an abnormal load through the City. Your proposal must include your intended route and should be submitted in advance to Your Local Services.  Allow at least three working days to process.

 

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