Work to improve a busy main road and make it safer for people on bikes and on foot will begin in Heaton today (16 January 2017).
Newcastle City Council is carrying out the work on Heaton Road between the junctions with Cardigan Terrace and Jesmond Vale Lane.
The work, which is expected to continue until June 2017, will see new cycle lanes created between Meldon Terrace and Cardigan Terrace, an improved crossing point at Meldon Terrace, changes to parking arrangements and the removal of some bollards and signage.
The existing roundabout at Heaton Park View will also be removed and replaced by traffic lights at the junction, which will include signal controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
Following the completion of the works a new 20mph speed limit will be introduced between Cardigan Terrace and Rothbury Terrace to enhance the safety measures being put in place.
The work is part of the council’s £60m Re-newcastle programme of investment to improve and modernise the city’s road networks, making them fit for the 21st century.
Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for investment and development at Newcastle City Council, said: “Through the Re-newcastle programme we are making the biggest investment in our highways infrastructure in over 30 years.
“A key part of improving the networks is the development of better and safer cycling routes, such as those we have recently completed on John Dobson Street in the city centre and those we are now developing on Heaton Road.
“Once completed, the works on Heaton Road will provide improved accessibility and safety for cyclists and pedestrians and will also bring environmental improvements and health benefits.
“As with all road schemes, it is inevitable that people will experience some disruption while the work takes place. We make every effort to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and we appreciate people’s patience while we carry out these important improvements.”
Drivers are asked to take extra care during the works as the road layout is likely to change regularly as the work progresses.
Traffic flow in both directions along Heaton Road will be maintained as much as possible but there may be times when traffic is reduced to one lane controlled by temporary traffic lights.
Some road closures may be needed during resurfacing and there will be some temporary loss of parking spaces, although this will be kept to a minimum.
Residents and businesses in the immediate area surrounding the works have already been informed and anyone with any queries can contact the city council by emailing heatonrd@newcastle.gov.uk