Work to start on new-look cycling roundabout
WORK is set to start next week on a new cycling roundabout – and drivers are being warned to expect delays in the area.
The new-look roundabout, the first of its kind in the North East, will be created at the Rake Lane and Billy Mill Lane junction in North Tyneside.
This is along a busy route, that also leads to North Tyneside General Hospital.
The redesigned roundabout will be segregated for cyclists and pedestrians, and is part of North Tyneside Council’s sustainable transport scheme which includes around 2km of cycling and walking improvements between Norham Road in New York and the Foxhunters roundabout in Monkseaton.
Coun Sandra Graham, cabinet member for environment, said: “I am really pleased that we’re now in a position to start to deliver this innovative and ambitious scheme, which will make it easier and safer for people to use sustainable forms of travel to commute and get around the borough. We have listened to feedback from our consultation held in May 2021 where people have told us that segregated space for walking and cycling is important to them.
“The new scheme will play a vital part in our action on climate change and ambitions to work towards the borough being carbon net-zero by 2030.
“It will improve links between residential areas and major employment sites like Cobalt Business Park and Rake Lane hospital and therefore is a big opportunity to convert short car journeys to a cleaner, greener alternative.”
The work is due to finish by the summer and will be carried out by the council’s partner Capita.
The authority says the construction team will work with consideration for the public – this includes keeping the use of temporary lane restrictions, pedestrian diversions and traffic signals to a minimum. However, drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
During the work, the speed limit will be reduced on the New York Bypass and the Rake Lane/Billy Mill Lane roundabout.
To receive regular updates about the project, people can sign up to an electronic bulletin service by emailing sustainabletravel@north tyneside.gov.uk and putting “Rake Lane” in the subject field.