William Eichler 03 February 2025

Questions emerge over frequency of flyover inspections

Questions emerge over frequency of flyover inspections image
Image: Graeme J Baty / Shutterstock.com.

A flyover which has been closed due to concerns about the safety of a concrete pillar had not been inspected weekly, despite claims to the contrary by a council leader.

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon had told the BBC that the A167 Gateshead Highway, which was closed on 13 December, had been inspected ‘every week’.

However, the council has since admitted that, while the flyover was inspected on a regular basis, these assessments were ‘not necessarily’ carried out weekly.

In response to a freedom of information (FOI) request sent by the broadcaster, the council said the road bridge had undergone inspections in 2004, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024.

A spokesperson said: ‘Over and above these inspections an experienced structural engineer carried out regular, routine inspections of the structure to ensure its structural integrity.’

The spokesperson added that Cllr Gannon’s claim about weekly inspections was a reference to a number of assessments undertaken in 2024.

The council has been contacted to confirm exactly how often these inspections were carried out.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner