Tyneside gears up for the Great North Run
This 7 September, the world’s greatest half-marathon will return to Tyneside, where 60,000 runners will cross the iconic Tyne Bridge.
To get ready for it, the famous Great North Run signage will be installed on the Tyne Bridge, requiring five overnight closures from Monday 30 June until Friday 4 July, from 8pm until 6am each night.
Due to the ongoing restoration work of the Grade II* listed structure, there is reduced space on the carriageway which means the road needs to be fully closed to traffic to allow safe installation of the signage. The framework was left in situ last year, to allow for a faster installation process, reducing the number of overnight closures required and disruption to motorists.
During the installation, diversions will be in place for traffic and the bridge will remain open for people walking and cycling.
The Tyne Bridge closures have also been carefully programmed around the Hoppings funfair to minimise the impact on the travelling public.
Ahead of the Great North Run in September, the Great North Run 10K weekend will also be taking place in Newcastle on the weekend of 5 and 6 July. This includes a family run, organised by Newcastle United Foundation around Leazes Park and St James’ Park on Saturday 5.
Then on Sunday 6 July, thousands of runners will line up for the Great North 10K run which takes place in Newcastle city centre. The 10k route takes participants from the traditional Great North Run start line on Central Motorway, over the Tyne Bridge to Gateshead in both directions and then through Newcastle city centre, and onto the finish line on the Town Moor.
A number of roads in the city centre, including the Tyne Bridge, will be closed for the event between 8.30am and 2.30pm, with the Great North Road, from Blue House roundabout to Claremont Road, closed from 4am until 2.30pm.
The city centre is expected to be incredibly busy during the event and people are advised to plan ahead, allow more time for your journey and use public transport.
Cllr Juna Sathian, cabinet member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “It’s always great to see the Great North Run sign go up, as it means the city is getting ready to host this world-class event later in the year, in which our iconic Tyne Bridge plays such a key part.
“As well as the huge event in September, there is also the Great North 10K in July, which again features the Tyne Bridge as well as other city centre landmarks, as runners take to the streets in the heart of Newcastle.
“With big crowds expected, we want everyone to enjoy it and take part safely so there will be a number of road closures required, and we’re asking people to plan ahead, allow more time for your journey and use public transport.”
The full list of roads that will be closed over the Great North 10k weekend include.
Saturday 5 July from 9.30am until 10.30am
Strawberry Place
Strawberry Lane
Rear of St James’ Street
Leazes Terrace
Sunday 6 July
4am – 2.30pm
B1318 Great North Road from Blue House roundabout to its junction with Claremont Road
8.30am – 2.30pm
A167 Central Motorway including on and off slip roads, from its junction with Grandstand Road to its junction with Askew Road in Gateshead
Tyne Bridge
Market Street
Market Street East
Grainger Street
Blackett Street
New Bridge Street West
John Dobson Street
St Marys Place
Sandyford Road
College Street
Ellison Place
Durant Road
Barras Bridge
Claremont Road