Work to construct a new cycle track, safer crossing points and signalised junctions on a busy city centre road are due to get under way.
Newcastle City Council will be carrying out the works on Queen Victoria Road and Claremont Road as part of a £2.95m investment, which includes £1.3m from the government’s Active Travel Fund.
The plans for the new road layout have been developed in consultation with the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle University, local residents, businesses and road users.
They also take on board feedback from people on the current temporary traffic arrangements on Queen Victoria Road, which were put in place during the first Covid lockdown to support social distancing and active travel.
The permanent changes will include a new protected, two-way cycle track along one side of the road, improved crossing points for people walking and cycling, a number of new signalised junctions and a new bus stop outside the hospital.
People are being advised that some unavoidable disruption is expected during the works and are asked to use alternative routes where possible.
Cllr Marion Williams, cabinet member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle City Council, said: “This is a busy city centre road and, with the hospital and university campus on either side, it is well used by people walking and cycling, making safety along this route a priority.
“The changes we’re making to the layout will build on the temporary arrangements already in place to create better and safer facilities for people on foot and bikes travelling in this area.
“As with all projects of this nature, some disruption to people’s journeys will be unavoidable but we are working to minimise this and will continue to liaise with partners, in particular the Royal Victoria Infirmary, to keep people informed.”
Work is due to start on Monday 15 January 2024, when preparations will begin for the installation of new traffic signals at a number of junctions between Leazes Lane and Lover’s Lane.
This will require lane closures to be put in place with temporary signals in use to control the flow of traffic in each direction.
The current cycle lanes will also be removed and the footpaths on both sides of the road will temporarily be signed as shared space for people on bikes and on foot. Motorists are reminded that they must give way to pedestrians and cyclists at side roads following changes to the Highway Code.
The main construction work will start from March when Queen Victoria Road will temporarily become one-way, northbound only, between St Thomas Street and Claremont Road.
This will be when the work to construct the new cycle track and crossing points, as well as installing the new traffic signals, will be carried out.
During this time, the footpaths on both sides of the road will continue to be temporarily signed as shared space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Access to the hospital site will continue to be maintained although there may be temporary changes to car park entry and exit points to allow work at these locations to be carried out safely.
The city council will continue to work with the RVI to minimise any disruption and keep people informed.
Temporary overnight road closures may be required at certain times, when signed diversion routes will be put in place.
These works are due to be completed in late 2024 and a further phase, incorporating the junction at Claremont Road, is expected to follow in 2025, with details to be confirmed nearer the time.
