Planned bridge closures to encourage healthier ways to get around and safer streets in neighbourhoods

A series of bridges in local areas that have been identified as being used by higher levels of traffic than is appropriate for small structures, will be closed to traffic to meet the rising demand for better walking and cycling facilities in residential areas.

Five bridges have initially been identified, as part of a rolling programme of improvements for local areas, which include reducing traffic levels in neighbourhoods, social distancing measures in local shopping areas and developing safe routes for children to walk and cycle to schools.

The bridges include:

• Salters Bridge, Parklands ward
• Dene Bridge, Castle Farm Road, Dene and South Gosforth
• Haldane Bridge, South Jesmond
• Argyle Street Bridge, Ouseburn
• Stoneyhurst Bridge, Dene and South Gosforth

All the bridges are key routes for people walking or cycling to local schools or amenities but suffer from high levels of traffic cutting through residential streets rather than using more appropriate routes. We want to reduce the levels of traffic in local residential areas and by closing off these routes, are acting to stop unnecessary traffic from driving through local streets.

Using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders, we have the legal powers to close the bridges to vehicles from 13 August. Statutory consultation has taken place with authorities such as emergency services and as no issues were raised, the legal orders have been put in place. We will then install large temporary cylinders or other suitable items to stop vehicles passing.

Public consultation period will take place for the first six months when the closures are put in place. During this time, residents can leave feedback and comments on the closure, and these will be considered before a final decision is made on whether or not to make the changes permanent. Go here for the publication consultation to have your say.

You can read our latest press release here