Gateshead Millennium Bridge 'tilts' cancelled over weekend after problems discovered
The iconic Millennium Bridge won't be "tilting" this weekend, council bosses said.
The iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge won't be tilting this weekend - after it was stuck in an "elevated position" for a period of time on Friday. Gateshead Council said that while engineers safely resolved the issue, it would not be operational as usual over Saturday and Sunday as a "precaution".
The council said the bridge had tilted "as normal" at 12pm on Friday, but that problems soon became apparent. The council however said the bridge was open for pedestrians and cyclists as normal.
In a statement, a council spokesperson said: "We have experienced some problems with the tilting mechanism for the Gateshead Millennium Bridge today. The bridge was tilted as normal at 12pm but the structure was left in the elevated position.
"Engineers eventually ensured the bridge was tilted safely back into its normal position, and it is now open for people to use as normal. As a precaution, planned tilts this weekend have been cancelled.
"The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is due for a Principal Inspection this year, which will involve every aspect of the bridge being surveyed and checked.
This is a routine inspection which is carried out every few years for all load bearing structures to ensure they are fit for purpose. It is on top of the regular maintenance we carry out on the bridge."
Tyneside has of course seen a number of serious infrastructure issues over the past year - with the Gateshead flyover closed and awaiting demolition after defects in the concrete structure were discovered in December last year.
Meanwhile, also across the Tyne, the 149-year-old Swing Bridge cannot swing due to mechanical problems. The Tyne Bridge is also currently being restored.
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