The iconic Tyne Bridge is to have a £35 million extensive make over, announced Roads Minister Guy Opperman.
The cost is part of the Government’s Network North Plan to improve transport links across the North East.
Mr Opperman said all of the £19.8 billion committed to the Northern leg of High Speed 2 (HS2) will be reinvested in transport across the North.
The Tyne Bridge celebrates its centenary in 2028.
Mr Opperman said: “This is a historic day for Newcastle and the North East.
“Our £35 million boost will restore the Tyne Bridge in all its glory so that it can shine proudly as one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.”
The Tyne Bridge – an A Grade II-listed structure – is a defining landmark of the North East.
It was designed by the same team as the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Tyne Bridge was the world’s longest-span bridge when built.
It was officially opened by King George V in October 1928.
More than 70,000 drivers use it daily to come and go to Newcastle.
The essential improvements will help improve the appearance of the bridge and improve access for vehicles, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow, which in turn will improve local air quality.
With tourism worth more than £17 billion to the North East economy, restoring the Tyne Bridge will also help attract more visitors both from the UK and overseas, and will generate over £90 million in expected economic benefits in a welcome boost for local businesses and jobs.
Boosting the structural integrity of the Tyne Bridge will also mean heavier vans and lorries will no longer need to be rerouted through residential areas, protecting air quality for many Newcastle residents.
