(11 Jan 2026, 7:32 pm)Malarkey wrote An idea I had was open High Level Bridge back to being Buses Only in both directions, the bridge would obviously remain single lane due to weight restrictions and would operate with a sensor/signalling system that would switch traffic priorities every 2-3 minutes or when a Bus approaches, this would allow services from Gateshead to serve Central Station without having to go along Askew Road and Redheugh Bridge. Road configurations at both ends of the bridge would have to be redesigned.

I don't think the bridge is strong enough. 

But, it's not beyond the whit of man nor beast to offer some sort of alternative routing in and out of the town. 
Even if it means making Collingwood Street bi-directional. Doesn't need to be one-way imo.