Consultation meetings 15 and 16 June 2010
Brunton Lane : Proposed Bus only restriction
Newcastle City Council are proposing to introduce a Bus Only restriction on Brunton Lane where it crosses the A1. With the new town centre and housing developments adjacent to the new Brunton First School due for completion in the next few years, concerns have been raised over the likely increase in traffic volume and its impact on the existing road network. Concerns have also been raised over traffic speeds on Brunton Lane particularly in the vicinity of the bridge crossing the A1.
To address these concerns the Council commissioned an Engineering Consultancy to carry out a Traffic Impact Assessment of the projected flows from the Great Park on the existing highway network. The report shows that if Brunton Lane remains open to all traffic, traffic volumes will increase by 250% from 1,856 vehicles (April 2009) to 6,471 vehicles.
It is evident that the current traffic flows on Brunton Lane cause concern now, as previously mentioned. However, with the projected flows, problems will increase significantly for all road users. In particular traffic conditions will be far worse for pedestrians using the A1 overbridge and for drivers using the Great North Road junction where queue lengths on all approaches will increase, and road safety will be compromised.
Brunton Lane was not designed to cope with such traffic volumes and hence it is proposed to restrict the l3ength of Brunton Lane over the A1 bridge to all motor vehicles except buses and emergency vehicles.
This closure would redirect the majority of traffic onto the specifically designed Great Park Road, which provides direct access to the A1. Whilst it is acknowledged that this proposal will cause some road users inconvenience, it is considered that the alternative of leaving Brunton Lane open to all traffic will cause greater inconvenience toa greater number of road users.
The closure of Brunton Lane to all vehicles except buses will also enable us to widen the footpaths on both sides of the road and improve cycling facilities. This will improve safety and the environment for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly on the school journey.
Your views on this proposal would be most welcome. A comments form should be returned by the 2nd July 2010.
We are however aware that some residents will require more detailed information and to see larger plans of our proposals. Therefore we would like to invite you to two open day events, where you can register your comments and discuss any concerns you have with the relevant engineering staff. These events will be held locally at the following venues on the 15 and 16 June.
Tuesday 15 June – Brunton First School (4 pm to 7 pm)
Wednesday 16 June – St Aiden’s Church, Princes Road (1 pm to 7 pm)
If you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone, please contact Bryan Mullan on 0191 211 5966 or email bryan.mullan(at)newcastle.gov.uk.
D Embleton
Head of Highway Network and Traffic Management, Newcastle City Council
