Bridge closure proposal divides public opinion
BUT NEARLY 75% WANT TO SEE ROUTE RE-OPEN TO VEHICLES
READERS are divided over plans to close a Gosforth bridge to cars.
As part of the work to Killingworth Road, Salters Bridge – which runs between Hollywood Avenue, in Gosforth, and Salters Lane, in Longbenton – has been closed to traffic.
The idea is to stop drivers diverted by the works using it as a rat-run through a residential street.
Now Newcastle City Council is considering keeping cars off the bridge for good. But the idea isn’t proving popular among our readers.
More than 1,000 people voted in our poll, which asked whether you think the bridge should stay shut.
A clear majority – 73% – are against the idea, and hope to see the bridge re-open once the roadworks are complete.
But that still left more than a quarter of you backing the closure proposal.
The idea has also divided opinion on our Facebook page.
Jocelyn Dawson was in favour of the plan.
She said: “Close it. Bridge dates back to the 14th century and is gradeI listed.
“It can’t therefore just be strengthened or widened.
“It is totally unsuitable for the volume of traffic.
“Also the bridge has weight restrictions which are ignored.
“Keeping the bridge closed is not about residents wanting a quiet life. It is about safety, pollution etc.” But many more were against it. Claire Denham-Baker argued the closure would lead to “chaos and congestion”, which would harm businesses and residents on both sides of the bridge. She added: “That bridge was placed there many centuries ago as those people had sense to see what an essential route it was.” Many said the proposal put the interests of local residents who want a quiet street over the needs of large numbers of commuters – but some people who live on nearby streets were also opposed to the idea. Linda Christine Bateman said: “Sorry, but I’ve lived on Hollywood avenue my entire life and my mum still lives there and neither of us wants the bridge to close. “It’s so inconvenient and I really don’t see that it makes much difference to the traffic. I’m up and down Hollywood Ave like a yo-yo now. I can’t just slip out over the bridge, I’ve got to drive all the way up towards Regent Centre and go round, then all the way back down again coming back. “If it closes permanently the house prices will plummet.” Others thought a more radical solution was needed to the area’s traffic problems. Dave Townend said: “A new bridge needs to be built. “It’s completely impractical having a one-lane bridge that is a main commuter route that isn’t functional during rush hour.” You can share your own view on the closure with the council at https://letstalknewcastle.co.uk/consultations/ info/254
That bridge was placed there many centuries ago as people had sense to see what an essential route it was Claire Denham-Baker