Residents in North Tyneside are benefiting from significant improvements to local walking, equestrian and cycling routes, as two key bridge replacement schemes in Dudley and Wallsend are completed.
Both bridges had reached the end of their natural life and needed to be replaced to ensure continued safety and connectivity for the communities they serve.
The investment supports the council’s commitment to creating places people can be proud of, while improving access to green spaces and everyday amenities.
In Dudley, the public footpath connects Dudley Lane with Weetslade Country Park, Lockey Park and surrounding local amenities, making it an important route for residents.
The bridge has now been fully replaced, and to further improve accessibility, the steps serving the bridge have also been renewed. These upgrades will ensure the route remains safe and convenient for those walking between the village and nearby green spaces.
At Benton Rise in Wallsend, the bridleway forms a key link between Benton, including the Newcastle United Training Ground, and Rising Sun Country Park.
The scheme so far has delivered:
- A new replacement bridge
- A signalised crossing point on Station Road, improving safety for users crossing the highway
- A fully reconstructed path surface from Station Road into Rising Sun Country Park
- Enhanced connections into the Sunholme Drive estate, making the route more accessible for local residents
The Benton scheme has been fully funded by contributions from nearby housing developments, helping to deliver improved infrastructure for the local community.
Cllr Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member responsible for Neighbourhoods at North Tyneside Council, said: “We’re investing in routes that our residents use every day we’re helping to enhance the experience for walkers, cyclists and other users.
“These improvements help people stay active, connected and proud of where they live and strengthening the links between communities and the green spaces near them.”
This is just the start of the Council’s scheme to improve key routes. Over the Summer, work is planned to full reconstruct the path surface from Station Road into Rising Sun Country Park and to enhance connections to the Sunholme Drive estate.
Works have been delivered by the Council’s approved local contractor, Hedgeway Limited, supporting regional expertise in delivering key infrastructure projects.