Newcastle’s busiest bus route could be set for major improvements through a £13 million funding bid being prepared by Newcastle City Council.

A range of options, which aim to make the West Road a cleaner, greener place to live, work and shop, will be on display to local residents at a series of drop-in sessions throughout May.

The scheme could include a number of measures to cut congestion and help buses run more efficiently through a better layout of parking spaces and bus lanes – as well as giving the street a new look and feel.

“These changes would make the West Road a healthier and more attractive place for the community to enjoy,” said Councillor Wendy Taylor, Executive Member for Transport and Sustainability.  “Our aim is to help buses run more efficiently and to help pedestrians, without having a negative impact on motorists.

“As one of our city’s busiest bus routes, the West Road provides an excellent opportunity to secure this Government funding and make real improvements to help traffic flow better.”

The scheme would improve the overall road layout, with places to sit and chat as well as practical measures tackling congestion and emissions from traffic standing in queues.

“It’s not about just one solution – we’re looking to use a whole range of options to deal with different issues,” added Councillor Taylor. “New loading bays, limited use of bus lanes and new hi-tech traffic lights will also keep things moving.

“The Council has carried out detailed traffic surveys over the past year and we are confident that the plan can help bus users without creating rat-runs, while motorists can continue to use the West Road for shorter local journeys.”
Local people will have a chance to comment on the plans at a series of sessions held across the West End throughout May. Full details of the consultation events will be distributed with the Council’s Citylife magazine this month, and are also available at www.newcastle.gov.uk/westroad.

The plan is the latest in a string of improvements taking place in Newcastle’s West End, including the £90 million renewal of Cruddas Park as Riverside Dene, new homes and commercial space at Loadman Street and a £1.3 million scheme to upgrade nearby Stanhope Street.