Overview
In 2013, Bellway Homes was granted planning permission, upon appeal, for the construction of 366 new homes at Whitehouse Farm in West Moor – known as Moorfields.
The planning conditions associated with this approval required some highway mitigation works, including the installation of signalised crossing points, traffic signals and shared-use paths, and the widening of the circulatory at West Moor roundabout.
These works are being delivered by North Tyneside Council’s partner Capita on behalf of Bellway Homes and will tie into the recently completed cycleway/footway on Salters’ Lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have traffic signals been installed at West Moor roundabout?
As part of the planning permission process, the works are a condition of planning consent for Whitehouse Farm in West Moor – known as Moorfields. The modifications to the junction need to mitigate the traffic impacts arising from this and other committed developments. This was agreed following a planning appeal decision in 2013.
The planning conditions imposed on the developer to mitigate the impact on the network were:
1. The introduction of a new signalised roundabout into the development site.
2. Signalisation and widening of the A188/A189 West Moor Roundabout.
3. Signalisation and widening of the A1056/A189 Weetslade Roundabout.
How long after traffic signals are installed do they become fully operational?
Currently the traffic lights do not respond to changes in traffic flow as they are operating on a fixed time basis prior to becoming more responsive to changes in traffic flows.
With new junctions such as this one, there is usually a bedding-in period while the traffic signals are tweaked to suit traffic demands and bus movements. The bedding in period for traffic signals is usually three months before they become fully operational.
How will the junction improve road safety in this location?
Prior to the traffic signals being installed no crossing provision for cyclists or pedestrians was available. The adjustments at West Moor Roundabout have made it safer to cross the road by foot or bike. The junction now always provides a safe crossing point for vulnerable road users, this is why it is not feasible to signalise the roundabout part-time.
How will the scheme impact journeys along this route?
Total journey times along the A188/A189 corridor are unlikely to be significantly impacted when the traffic signals are fully operational. Any delays incurred at the West Moor roundabout will reduce the pressure at other junctions already subject to congestion along the A188/A189 corridor (Haddricks Mill / Four Lane Ends).
The scheme has been designed to accommodate future increases in the traffic demand forecast from developments across Newcastle, North Tyneside and South East Northumberland.
The changes to the junction will also allow local bus services to be given additional priority whilst travelling along this route.
How will the junction modifications support the use of sustainable transport in the area?
North Tyneside Council is committed to improving connectivity, ensuring people are connected to a wide variety of opportunities and are able to access them by the most sustainable means.
The new cyclist/pedestrian crossing signals allow members of the public to switch to methods of sustainable travel and gives them a safe place to cross at the roundabout. Statistics show that cycling in the borough has increased by more than 60 per cent over four years - it is 40 per cent ahead of the target growth outlined in 2018’s Cycling Strategy.
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Contact
For all queries relating to the A188/189 West Moor roundabout, please contact the Major Projects team on 0191 643 6500, or email roads@northtyneside.gov.uk