Bridge closed for two more years

The High Level Bridge will not now reopen until 2008

An historic Newcastle bridge, which was closed for repairs last year, will remain shut to traffic for a further two years, it has been revealed.

When the High Level Bridge over the Tyne was closed in 2005, drivers were told it would be shut for eight months.

But Network Rail, which owns the 150-year-old bridge, says the work is complicated and will not now be completed until the summer of 2008.

The Grade I-listed bridge links Newcastle and Gateshead.

It was built in 1849 and transport officials became concerned about the safety of its ageing timber deck.

On track

Network Rail is carrying out the repairs including the replacement of original timber beams, costing £10m.

Rachel Lowe, spokeswoman for the company, said: "The bridge is magnificent - it is part of the area's heritage and repairing it is a long, complicated and important job.

"The bridge wasn't designed to cope with modern traffic and we apologise for the inconvenience.

"Our engineers are having to blast away 30 layers of paint and more faults are being discovered. We are on track though and are hoping to open again in spring or summer 2008."