A number of transport proposals in the North East are on the verge of final approval after the North East Join Transport Committee are set to give several high-profile projects the green light this week.
The committee will discuss major improvements to regional sustainable transport, including the creation of a new interchange in North Shields, bus priority measures, as well as walking and cycling routes in North Tyneside and Gateshead.
Funding for three schemes will be discussed by the Joint Transport Committee today and are set for approval, including a £19.1m North Shields Transport Interchange, which will see the creation of a brand-new transport interchange in North Tyneside, reconfiguring highway links and relocating bus stands in North Shields to one central ‘hub’, reports the Northern Echo.
This scheme will also include a new active travel link between the town centre and the popular Fish Quay area, cycling improvements between the town centre and Coast Road (A1058) and improvements along the A193 which will benefit cyclists between the Coast and North Shields.
Another scheme to be discussed is a £1.9m Hills Street and Gateshead Quays sustainable access scheme, which will form part of the regeneration of the Gateshead Quays and Baltic Quarter areas of Gateshead and includes permanent pedestrian and cycle routes including improvements to pedestrian crossings to improve both safety and air quality.
Finally, a £3.3m project on the A188/A189 bus priority corridor could be approved, which will introduce a new southbound bus lane between the A188 Goathland Avenue junction in Longbenton and the entrance to Four Lane Ends Interchange.
This scheme will include enhancements to local walking and cycling routes including new segregated cycle links between Four Lane Ends and the A188 and A191 cycle routes.
In addition, new cycle storage facilities will be provided at Four Lane Ends to boost cycle Park & Ride journeys by Metro and/or bus services.
Cllr Martin Gannon, chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee and leader of Gateshead Council, said: “I am delighted that these schemes are progressing as part of the North East’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Programme.
“Our ambitious programme centres on delivering transformational change for local people and I am confident these improvements will greatly improve access to sustainable transport links, hopefully encouraging more and more people to travel by public transport or active travel when they can.
“The North East is fully committed to providing safe, affordable and appealing sustainable transport options to help us tackle congestion, drive down carbon emissions and improve our air quality. The approval of funds will kick start the delivery of these exciting schemes – watch this space for more exciting things to come from our regional TCF programme.”
