So how can I get across the Tyne?
DANIEL HALL with some ideas to avoid the worst of the congestion after the Tyne Bridge was narrowed to one lane in each direction
TRAFFIC is down to one lane on the Tyne Bridge, one of the North East’s busiest roads, causing disruption for motorists and commuters.
Tailbacks became even heavier this week, a fortnight after the lane closures began, as the new school term began, bringing extra traffic.
The long-awaited restoration of the bridge is welcome – but the disruption isn’t. But what can you do to make your journey easier?
Pamela Holmes, assistant director of transport, at Newcastle City Council said: “We are fully aware of how disruptive this restoration programme will be for the travelling public and we’ve done a lot of engagement with residents, businesses and employers in the run-up to the work starting.
“This is a four-year refurbishment programme. People need to plan their journeys, think about alternatives, whether they take public transport, or active travel options such as walking or cycling, or use the many park and ride facilities available.”
Here are some of the alternative routes or modes of transport you could use:
Driving
The lane closures on the bridge are expected to have a knock-on effect on roads in and out of Newcastle for the foreseeable future, affecting not only the bridge but the Central Motorway, the Gateshead Highway and all approach roads either side of the river.
The Quayside, the Swing Bridge, and routes to and from the Redheugh Bridge are also more congested. Other river crossings that drivers could use include the A19 through the Tyne Tunnel. Further west, motorists could cross the Tyne via the A1 on Blaydon Bridge or Scotswood Bridge, which connects the A694 and A695.
Whichever route motorists use, they are advised to allow more time for their journeys and expect delays.
Metro park and ride
The Metro has park and ride facilities which riders can use if they do not live within walking distance of a station. There are “major” car parks at 10 stations, eight of which offer parking from £1.20 per day and free parking on Sundays. These Metro stations are Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park, Hebburn and the Stadium of Light
Park and ride
A park and ride launched within the Metrocentre staff and coach park on April 2. It is free to use the designated park and ride area of the car park and existing bus services into Newcastle leave every few minutes.
Until 10am on weekdays, it will be possible to catch a bus from the bus stop next to the interchange entrance. After that, riders must go to the interchange building over the bridge and catch a bus from Stand L.
The park and ride car park is open at all times and buses run from early in the morning until late at night.
Rail services
For those who are not served by Metro stations, particularly those travelling between Newcastle and the Durham coast, Northern has rail services which connect with Seaham and Horden.
Walking and cycling
The council has encouraged people to consider active travel if they’re able to. One footway will remain open at all times throughout the Tyne Bridge works, while there are a series of walking and cycling routes nearby, including the newly-redeveloped Tyne Derwent Way.
There is secure cycle storage at Eldon Garden multi-storey car park, while facilities are also in development at Dean Street and Grainger Town multi-storey. Many Metro stations also have cycle storage, and can be accessed with a Pop card.
Help with journey planning
There are a series of apps and websites which can help with travel planning, including Nexus Live Travel Map, the Pop app and Traveline North East.