Gateshead Council in the UK has announced that repair works on Tyne Bridge are planned to commence in September this year.

Local contractor Esh Construction will execute the bridge's repair works, which could take up to four years to complete.

Gateshead Council's leader Martin Gannon said: “The Tyne Bridge is an important landmark for the North East [of England] and we all want to see this iconic structure brought back to the standard we expect to see.

“We will collaborate closely with our partners to put plans in place to manage the transport network as this refurbishment works gets underway.

“It will be a proud day when the Tyne Bridge is restored to its former glory.”

The initial restoration works will hardly impact the current movement of traffic, the council added.

However, works set for next year will include the closure of lanes on the bridge in order to guarantee a safe restoration process for labourers and the public.

One lane will be left in each direction during a vital part of the renovation, which which will significantly reduce traffic between Newcastle and Gateshead.

Other works to be carried out next year include repairs to steelwork, concrete, stonework, and masonry, as well as grit blasting and repainting, drainage improvements, bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing, among others.

These works will help the bridge to maintain load capacity and futureproof it by reducing repeated maintenance works.