Motorists in Gateshead set for further travel disruption as litter clear-up results in weekend lane closure

The works along Askew Road are part of the local environment and street scene strategy to prioritise environmental works across Gateshead

18:53, 09 Oct 2025

View ImageAskew Road, Gateshead(Image: Gateshead Council)

Motorists in Gateshead are set for travel disruption as a planned council litter clear-up [1] will see a lane being closed on a major road. From this Sunday, Askew Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction to enable overgrowth and detritus to be cleared and litter removed.

The closure will last for four consecutive Sundays. Gateshead [2] City Council says the works will improve the general appearance of the route and improve visibility for drivers.

Michael Lamb, Service Director, Environment and Fleet Management, said: "How people see Gateshead as they travel in and through [3] the borough is really important. We are passionate about making Gateshead a place we can all be proud of and we know that residents feel the same.

"These works will make a huge difference to enhancing the appearance of one of our key arterial routes and we look forward to everyone being able to see the improvement.

We have programmed the works during off-peak hours to cause the minimum amount of disruption but we apologise in advance for any delays that may be caused."

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The works along Askew Road are part of the local environment and street scene strategy, agreed by cabinet in July, to prioritise environmental works across Gateshead.

In 2023/24 an additional GBP2m was invested in environmental services to improve the local environment and help residents to love where they live. This funding has since been maintained and an additional GBP1m was invested as part of the 2025/26 budget.

Askew Road will be reduced to one lane between 8am and 3.30pm on October 12, 19, 26 and November 2. The area of road affected will be from the Redheugh Bridge Roundabout to the A1.

Last month, ChronicleLive reported that more regular safety checks for the condemned Gateshead Flyover have been promised, after a vehicle was hit by falling debris from the crumbling structure. The Park Lane roundabout underneath the closed A167 Gateshead Highway flyover had to be shut for 12 hours to allow engineers to carry out concrete inspections on the elevated road.[5][6][7]

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The lane closures also coincides with the ongoing restoration of the Tyne Bridge and 16-month long lane closures on the A167 Central Motorway in Newcastle.