Infrastructure improvements to improve connectivity to the town centre with particular emphasis on dedicated cycle and walking routes on Bridge Street.
Update February 2024: Phase 2 road closure will begin on Sunday 25 February 2024 and will include Bridge Street in both directions from UnionStreet, heading East to the Quay Road roundabout. It will also include part of Percy Street. Further details for future Phases will be announced as works progress.
Located along Bridge Street which is the main bus, vehicle and pedestrian route into the town centre from the quayside area, the Link will see highway improvements to improve connectivity for a wide range of users and creating safer access. It will provide dedicated cycle routes and improved footpaths, improved signage and surfacing. Bridge Street is an important physical link between other interventions and from the town centre to the quayside.
Key features include:
Improvements to Bridge Street will make the area a more welcoming, green, safe and accessible entrance to town for the whole community to enjoy.
The scheme will create a new gateway connecting the town centre and the quayside together. This will include new walking and cycling routes, safer crossing points and traffic calming, increased greenery and biodiversity including more trees, on street parking, and a new dedicated area for a taxi rank.
Construction works will take place on Bridge Street, Havelock Street, Parsons Street, Union Street, Percy Street and Post Office Street. There will also be some works taking place at the North end of Stanley Street. Works will be phased to minimise disruption.
Please see indicative Phasing Plan of the area. Phase 2 road closure will begin on Sunday 25 February 2024 and will include Bridge Street in both directions from UnionStreet, heading East to the Quay Road roundabout. It will also include part of Percy Street. Further details for will be announced as works progress. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
The project will be delivered in phases.
Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times.
There will be designated signed pedestrian walkways set out so it will be clear where is safe to walk to access the properties on the street.
Access for all users including wheelchair users and pushchairs will be maintained by providing temporary ramps and/or kerb hoppers, where required.
Access for those with limited vision will be maintained by carrying out daily checks to ensure pedestrian walkways remain unobstructed. A traffic management operative will be on site during working hours to alleviate any issues that may arise.
Buses will still be able to access the bus station throughout the works
Please see Phasing Plan of the area.
Phase 2 works started from Sunday 25th February 2024. During phase 2, 3 and 4 the Taxi Rank will be located opposite Frameworks on the North side of the street.
During phase 5, the Taxi Rank will be located between Havelock Street and Union Street in its new permanent position.
In all instances suitable signage will be erected to direct people to the rank location
There will be phased road closures during the works. A diversion route with signage will be in place. Access to the bus station will be maintained throughout the works.
Emergency services will be able to travel into the road closure in the event of any incident occurring within a working area.
Please see indicative Phasing Plan for further details on the diversion route for road users. Phase 2 road closure will begin on Sunday 25 February 2024 and will include Bridge Street in both directions from UnionStreet, heading East to the Quay Road roundabout. It will also include part of Percy Street. Further details for will be announced as works progress. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
The following parking provision will be provided on completion:
Bridge Street (North side of the street opposite Stanley Street) - 6No 30min Short stay spaces including 1 disabled (on street parking).
Percy St – 5No 2hr intermediate stay spaces (on street parking).
Stanley Street - reduction in parking of approximately 4 vehicles to accommodate the improved social space at the North end of the street.
Havelock Street currently has no parking provision, a loading bay is to be provided for the use of all businesses.
Back lane between Stanley Street and Beaconsfield Street – no change to the current arrangements.
Freehold Street Car Park - no change to the current arrangements.
The speed limit will reduce from 30mph to a 20mph zone on Bridge Street, Havelock Street, Post Office Street and parts of Waterloo Road, Union Street and Percy Street
There will also be physical traffic calming features on Bridge Street and the junctions of Havelock Street, Union Street and Percy Street along with the new road widths will help reduce the speed of traffic.
Please email energisingblyth@northumberland.gov.uk with your enquiry.
You can also get in touch via the main County Council Contact Centre.
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