New measures for buses during Tyne Bridge works
New measures are being introduced to help keep buses running smoothly on key routes during the Tyne Bridge restoration works.
Image Credit: Andrew Heptinstall Photography
Please note that we have amended this press release with updated start date information for the bus lanes and red route restrictions in Newcastle city centre.
Newcastle and Gateshead councils are encouraging people to make the switch to public transport to help ease congestion when lane closures are put in place on the Tyne Bridge from 2 April.
To minimise delays for bus passengers, a combination of bus lanes and no stopping restrictions will also be implemented on key bus routes in Newcastle city centre and on Durham Road, in Gateshead.
The measures are planned for implementation during April and include:
· New bus lanes on the New Bridge Street roundabout as well as the approaching and exit slip roads. The bus lanes will prohibit all vehicles except buses, cycles, Hackney Carriage and private hire taxis, goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, motorbikes and authorised vehicles between 7am and 7pm.
· New red route restrictions on Newgate Street, Grainger Street, Westgate Road, Neville Street and Westmorland Road. Red routes are marked by double red lines on the roadside and strictly prohibit loading, waiting or stopping by vehicles. There are exemptions for licensed Hackney Carriage taxis and blue badge holders who are permitted to drop off or pick up passengers providing it is safe to do so and not in a bus stop. Existing loading and taxi bays along the red routes will remain in place. The red routes will apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
· The existing bus lane on A167 Durham Road will be extended, to complete the section from close to the Stone Trough public house, through to the Chowdene Bank. This will improve journey times for northbound bus services and taxis. Works will be complete by Thursday 4th April.
Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, said: “With the Tyne Bridge major maintenance works due to begin, we are anticipating a significant amount of disruption on our highways network.
“To help minimise this, we are encouraging everyone to plan ahead and make changes to their journeys, including where possible to swap the car for public transport.
“We’ve already completed a number of traffic signal and junction upgrades to improve efficiency on key bus routes in Newcastle city centre and these additional measures are designed to further support this so that people can be confident that services will run as smoothly as possible.”
The measures in Newcastle will be put in place as a trial and people will be invited to comment and provide feedback on how well they work over a six-month consultation period.