Pedestrians and cyclists get priority in central Gateshead
The existing bus and cycle lane along the eastern end of Askew Road will see temporary barriers removed to be replaced by better quality infrastructure, along with improved crossings.
In addition, the existing loop of access road joining the A167 High Street with Quaysgate, which has not been in use since summer 2020, will be removed and the area landscaped.
The council has a long term vision to improve safety and air quality and encourage a shift from short private car journeys, to greater use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Further changes to road layouts and priorities will be brought forward in the coming months, including an improved streetscape on Hills Street, between Wellington Street and the Tyne Bridge, and an improved pedestrian crossing on the A167 at the southern end of the Tyne Bridge.
Funding for these works has come from the Transforming Cities Fund, totalling £1,961,621, and the Government's Active Travel Fund, totalling £450,000.
Gateshead Council is making changes to roads, pavements and cycle ways with the aim of providing better, safer links between the town centre and the quays area for non-motor traffic.
Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for development, transport and public protection, said: "Millions of pounds of investment is going into development in the quays area, including the £300m The Sage arena and conference centre, and it is vital that we link this area with our town centre, with direct and safe routes to the bus and metro interchange, and to the surrounding residential areas.
"There may be a small amount of disruption to traffic flows while we complete these works, but we will do our best to minimise any impact."
Almost a third of North East households have no access to a car, and for many people, walking or cycling, or using the bus or Metro, are vital to get to work, education or health appointments, and to access cultural and leisure venues.
Our research shows that making Askew Road bus only has made a big contribution to improved flows on the Tyne Bridge, as the north/south traffic can flow more smoothly, with only buses needing to exit Askew Road.
Anneliese added:
"It's vital that we keep improving the environment in this area, make it more welcoming and pedestrian friendly, and help people make the choice to make short journeys on foot or by bike, and to use public transport where possible."
The work on cycle infrastructure will be put in place in line with the national LTN 1/20 guidance from the Department for Transport.
While construction work is ongoing on Askew Road and Quaysgate, some bus routes will need to be diverted for a short time, and the council is working with bus operators, planning the works to minimise disruption.
The whole programme is expected to last around 28 weeks.
The work around Askew Road and Quaysgate is part of a wider programme to improve movement of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists around the town centre area.
The council has recently been investing in widening junctions and introducing segregated lanes on roundabouts, to improve the flow of vehicles along the West Central Street, Regent Street, Charles Street and Park Lane. That project is nearly complete, with only minor amendments left to be put in place.
The existing bus and cycle lane along the eastern end of Askew Road will see temporary barriers removed to be replaced by better quality infrastructure, along with improved crossings.
In addition, the existing loop of access road joining the A167 High Street with Quaysgate, which has not been in use since summer 2020, will be removed and the area landscaped.
The council has a long term vision to improve safety and air quality and encourage a shift from short private car journeys, to greater use of public transport, walking and cycling.
Further changes to road layouts and priorities will be brought forward in the coming months, including an improved streetscape on Hills Street, between Wellington Street and the Tyne Bridge, and an improved pedestrian crossing on the A167 at the southern end of the Tyne Bridge.
Funding for these works has come from the Transforming Cities Fund, totalling £1,961,621, and the Government's Active Travel Fund, totalling £450,000.
Gateshead Council is making changes to roads, pavements and cycle ways with the aim of providing better, safer links between the town centre and the quays area for non-motor traffic.
Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for development, transport and public protection, said: "Millions of pounds of investment is going into development in the quays area, including the £300m The Sage arena and conference centre, and it is vital that we link this area with our town centre, with direct and safe routes to the bus and metro interchange, and to the surrounding residential areas.
"There may be a small amount of disruption to traffic flows while we complete these works, but we will do our best to minimise any impact."
Almost a third of North East households have no access to a car, and for many people, walking or cycling, or using the bus or Metro, are vital to get to work, education or health appointments, and to access cultural and leisure venues.
Our research shows that making Askew Road bus only has made a big contribution to improved flows on the Tyne Bridge, as the north/south traffic can flow more smoothly, with only buses needing to exit Askew Road.
Anneliese added:
"It's vital that we keep improving the environment in this area, make it more welcoming and pedestrian friendly, and help people make the choice to make short journeys on foot or by bike, and to use public transport where possible."
The work on cycle infrastructure will be put in place in line with the national LTN 1/20 guidance from the Department for Transport.
While construction work is ongoing on Askew Road and Quaysgate, some bus routes will need to be diverted for a short time, and the council is working with bus operators, planning the works to minimise disruption.
The whole programme is expected to last around 28 weeks.
The work around Askew Road and Quaysgate is part of a wider programme to improve movement of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists around the town centre area.
The council has recently been investing in widening junctions and introducing segregated lanes on roundabouts, to improve the flow of vehicles along the West Central Street, Regent Street, Charles Street and Park Lane. That project is nearly complete, with only minor amendments left to be put in place.
