The second phase of a road bridge upgrade project in North Tyneside is underway, Highways England has announced.

Essential maintenance and strengthening work is being undertaken to the bridge which carries the A19 over Middle Engine Lane.

The project has been extended due to issues with the structure which required repairs to the concrete and steel supports.

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The latest phase of works involved moving the scaffolding from the north side of the bridge to the south side.

Highways England project manager Michael Hoult said: "This project is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and safe operation of the bridge. If the work is not done now, there could be a need for weight restrictions on the A19 in the future.

"We'll be removing the traffic management restrictions, including the temporary traffic lights, over the festive season before returning to the bridge again in early January."

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2016.

(LM/CD)