Gateshead Council has started overnight closures on Church Street in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, beginning 24 January 2026. The road will be shut to both drivers and pedestrians every night from 8:00pm until 5:30am to allow for the installation of specialist scaffolding linked to the Saltwell Towers restoration programme; the closure is also listed on the Tyne Bridge project travel advice page. These nightly closures are expected to remain in place until 6 February 2026.
The overnight work is needed so crews can safely put up heavy-duty, high-elevation scaffolding around the Victorian mansion’s turrets and gothic chimney stacks. Gateshead Council has described ongoing stonework erosion on the building’s exterior and says structural repairs are required. Because Church Street is narrow and the equipment required is large, the council says the work will take place at night to avoid serious traffic congestion during the day.
A signed diversion route will be in place while the closures are in effect. Gateshead Council’s briefing indicates traffic may be routed via Cannon Street and the A167; travellers should follow the signed diversions. Updated travel information is available through the Tyne Bridge travel advice service and the Council’s roadworks map. For further details, contact Gateshead Council on 0191 433 7000.
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