long-term future the bridge was closed to road traffic in February 2005. Maintenance included replacement of timber supports beneath the road deck. The bridge re-opened on 2 June 2008 as severe cracks were found in some of its iron girders. In March 2006 the bridge's footpath, which was to have been kept open during the restoration project, was closed at the request of Network Rail due to vandalism and the increasing scale of required works. Extra crash barriers on each side of the roadway were added leaving space for only one lane of traffic. Where the road deck met the land on the northern side of the river was inside the castle precinct, a complex multi-period archaeological site. Archaeological mitigation work, a standing building recording on the approach arches, and an excavation in advance of the piling required to strengthen the arches was carried out by AAG Archaeology. Present day The road deck was re-opened only in a southbound (towards Gateshead) direction and carries only buses and taxis; the one-way operation is required because of width considerations after protection to the structural members was inserted. Pedestrians and cyclists use the bridge freely. Railway traffic continues in full use of the bridge, although the majority of mainline trains use the King Edward VII bridge for reasons of convenience. Notes References External links High Level: 150 years at Newcastle Tyne Bridges Bridges completed in 1849 Railway bridges in Tyne and Wear Grade I listed railway bridges and viaducts Buildings and structures in Newcastle upon Tyne Road-rail bridges in the United Kingdom Grade I listed buildings in Tyne and Wear Crossings of the River Tyne Tied arch bridges in the United Kingdom Former toll bridges in England Double-decker bridges