Flyover demolition costs almost double to £33m

The expected cost of the Gateshead Flyover demolition has passed £32m, almost double initial estimates.

The concrete structure was closed in December 2024 due to fears it could collapse, with a six-month demolition completed on 1 October.

Gateshead Council initially set aside £18m for the works, but figures due to be presented next week estimate a total of £32.6m with the possibility of further change, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A council spokesperson said the final overall cost of the project was expected to be confirmed in Spring 2027 once all remaining works had been completed.

A council report stated contractors BAM had provided an initial estimate of £17.3m in March 2025 to demolish the flyover in a "timely manner".

However, the price was subject to change as the scheme developed and became more detailed, the cost having risen to £31m by July.

The initial estimate has been branded as "not comparable" to the current forecast due to a series of factors.

These included the procurement of 10-tonne steel props used to prevent the structure from collapsing, paying for 24-hour work periods during certain phases of the scheme, protection measures for the East Street flats and monitoring of the underground Tyne and Wear Metro tunnels.

The local authority also cited relocation of some East Street residents, fuel price increases, the running of shuttle buses during the Five Bridges roundabout closure, structural monitoring and surveys as further costs.

The final works are expected to be completed in December 2026.

The flyover's removal is viewed by local leaders as a major opportunity to reshape Gateshead town centre and attract investment.

The government has repeatedly been urged to commit funds towards its removal and the town's subsequent regeneration, but is yet to do so.

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