The sight of thousands crossing the Tyne Bridge from Newcastle into Gateshead is one of the highlights of the Great North Run.
The bridge has become a symbol of Newcastle and Gateshead since it opened in 1928 and is one of seven spanning the River Tyne in the urban area. But the once proud-looking crossing is a sight for sore eyes at the moment, as its green painted coat is flaking away to expose rust underneath.
It has become a source of embarrassment that one of the North East's most iconic landmarks has not had a fresh coat of paint in more than 20 years. That feeling is compounded when the bridge's sorry state is there for the entire country to see during coverage of the Great North Run.
Read more: The Great North Run highlights the Tyne Bridge's neglect
"Can someone run next year for the 'Repaint the Tyne Bridge' charity, it’s starting to look really grim," tweeted Lee Robson, from Newcastle.
"Went over the Tyne Bridge the other day, it looked a proper eyesore. Not good for the Great North Run this weekend," wrote Simon Wilson of Sunderand.
The good news is plans are approved to give the Tyne Bridge a much-needed makeover, which should start later this year, both Newcastle and Gateshead's councils say.
When was the Tyne Bridge last painted?
There will be people taking part in the Great North Run who were not even alive the last time the Tyne Bridge was painted.
Newcastle City Council says: "The Grade 2 listed structure was last refurbished and painted in 2001 and is well overdue for a refurbishment programme. The paint system was designed to last approximately 18-20 years between major maintenance, and refurbishment works are urgently required."
When will the Tyne Bridge be painted again and who pays for it?
Engineers closed the bridge earlier this year to carry out an assessment and funding was secured for a maintenance project.
Newcastle City Council says: "The Tyne Bridge, together with the Central Motorway, were part of a bid of £41.4 million that Newcastle City Council submitted to the Department for Transport in 2019 as part of their Major Road Network fund and the council has been in ongoing discussion with government ever since to secure this much-needed funding. As part of the bid, government will provide £35.3 million, with the remaining monies contributed by Newcastle and Gateshead councils."
Work is set to start later in 2022 and will take around two years. The bridge turns 100 in October 2028.
Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council and chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: "We are very glad to have finally got this funding agreed. Newcastle and Gateshead have worked closely together to campaign for national funding, to recognise the huge significance of the Tyne Bridge as a symbol of our whole region.
"This is a vital route for cross-river traffic, at the heart of our network, and it's fantastic that it will be back to its best in time for the centenary."
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