Pedestrian and cycle path work begins

WORK is under way to improve a route for cyclists and pedestrians along a main road between North Tyneside and Newcastle.

The project on the A1058 Coast Road is being carried out by North Tyneside Council and will involve diversions for cyclists and walkers over the coming weeks as work moves on.

The improvements come alongside a major programme to upgrade vital junctions along the road. As part of the scheme, Billy Mill roundabout has been replaced by traffic lights and Norham Road junction is set for refurbishment.

The latest stage involves cycle and pedestrian routes.

The council and its partner, Capita, are working on a scheme to improve pedestrian and cycle access on the north side of the A1058 – all the way from Beach Road in the east to the boundary with Newcastle, close to the Wills Building. The aim is to resurface around 7km of shared footpath and cycleway, with the work carried out in stages to minimise inconvenience to those who use the route.

Work is progressing well on improvements to the cycle route, with the first stage – between Norham Road and Billy Mill on the north side of the A1058 Coast Road – due for completion in the next week.

The next phase will extend from the Newcastle city boundary as far as the A186/Station Road roundabout at Wallsend and is scheduled to take around five to seven weeks.