Death bridge to be strengthened

New parapets will be built on Wylam Bridge

Improvement works have begun at a Northumberland bridge where three people died when their car plunged into the River Tyne.

Elizabeth Carroll, 22, Richard Hornsby, 25, both of Wylam, and James Robson, 28, of Gateshead, died at Wylam Bridge in February 2006.

Strengthening work on the bridge will cost £800,000 and last until December.

An inquest ruled there was no defect with the bridge but a review urged work on parapets and decking.

Some local businesses had called for one lane of the bridge to remain open during the work in an attempt to retain trade.

Minimum disruption

But an engineering report to Northumberland County Council said this would require the construction of an expensive temporary crossing.

Tony Geary, of Wylam Bridge Action Group, said: "We accept that there is no practical option but for the bridge to close to traffic for the duration of these essential works.

"Our role now is to work with the council to ensure the minimum possible disruption to both residents and traders while there is pedestrian access only from South Wylam."

The chairman of Wylam Parish Council, Brian Japes, added: "The acceleration of the work programme and the study of the remaining road safety issues in Wylam is very welcome.

"It will, to some extent, compensate for the inevitable disruption caused by the closure of the bridge for the essential strengthening of the parapets."