Work is due to start next week (w/c January 17) on an innovative new roundabout with on-road segregated cycling facilities in North Tyneside.
It is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious sustainable transport scheme featuring around 2km of cycling and walking improvements between Norham Road in New York and the Foxhunters roundabout in Monkseaton.
It follows feedback from a consultation held last year (2021) and the scheme includes a redesigned roundabout with segregated provision for cycling and walking at the Rake Lane/Billy Mill Lane junction – the first of its kind in the North East.
The scheme is being funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF) Tranche 2, which supports local authorities to provide safe cycling and walking facilities along key commuter routes.
The council has secured nearly £1.6 million from the ATF to help improve sustainable links to Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside General Hospital and Newcastle.
This will also play a vital part in the council’s action on climate change and ambitions to work towards the borough being carbon net-zero by 2030.
Cllr Sandra Graham, cabinet member for Environment, said: “I am really pleased that we’re now in a position to start to deliver this innovative and ambitious scheme, which will make it easier and safer for people to use sustainable forms of travel to commute and get around the borough.
“We have listened to feedback from our consultation held in May 2021 where people have told us that segregated space for walking and cycling is important to them.
“The new scheme will play a vital part in our action on climate change and ambitions to work towards the borough being carbon net-zero by 2030
“It will improve links between residential areas and major employment sites like Cobalt Business Park and Rake Lane hospital and therefore is a big opportunity to convert short car journeys to a cleaner, greener alternative.”
Due for completion in the summer, the works will be carried out by the council’s partner Capita. The construction team will work with consideration for the public – this includes keeping the use of temporary lane restrictions, pedestrian diversions and traffic signals to a minimum. However, motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
During the scheme’s installation, the speed limit will be reduced on the New York Bypass and the Rake Lane/Billy Mill Lane roundabout to help protect both the public and workforce.
To receive regular updates as the project progresses, please sign up to our electronic bulletin service by emailing sustainabletravel@northtyneside.gov.uk and put “Rake Lane” in the subject field.
Click here for further information on the scheme. Alternatively, the major projects team can be contacted directly via Email: sustainabletravel@northtyneside.gov.uk or Tel: (0191) 643 6500.
