Tyne Bridge closed in both directions as 'police incident' causes major delays

The Tyne Bridge, linking Newcastle and Gateshead, has been shut in both directions due to a 'police incident - this is a breaking news story

Kelly Williams Content Editor and Sam Volpe

07:57, 04 Dec 2025Updated 08:42, 04 Dec 2025

[Traffic camera shows closed Tyne Bridge]

Traffic camera shows closed Tyne Bridge(Image: NE Traffic Cameras)

A major road bridge is closed in both directions, causing travel chaos during rush hour this morning. The Tyne Bridge, linking Newcastle and Gateshead, has been shut due to a "police incident".

Massive queues are building through Gateshead following the closure, Chronicle Live reports. There are several miles of delays through Gateshead and into Newcastle.

The Tyne Tunnels - the four tunnels that go under the River Tyne - are open. One local told the Star she took a completely different route to work to "avoid the worst of it". She thinks people will be stuck in traffic for over 40 minutes.

[Traffic camera shows huge queues through Gateshead]

Traffic camera shows huge queues through Gateshead(Image: NE Traffic Cameras)

The local added that she had been told by friends that a workman involved in the bridge refurbishment claimed "someone climbed onto the scaffolding".

Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident.

The Tyne Bridge is understood to have reopened. There are still considerable delays on the A167, where the bridge is located, and on the surrounding roads, according to Google Traffic.

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