Major work to transform Cowgate Roundabout is getting under way today as Newcastle Labour delivers a multi-million-pound investment in one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The scheme will replace the existing roundabout with a modern signal-controlled junction designed to reduce congestion, improve journey times and make it safer and easier for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
Newcastle City Council successfully secured £3 million from the Department for Transport towards the improvements, with further investment supporting the wider scheme.
Cowgate is one of the main routes into Newcastle city centre and is used by thousands of motorists every day, as well as almost 70 buses every hour during the daytime.
The existing layout has long caused congestion and delays, while pedestrians have to use unpopular subways to cross the junction and there are no dedicated routes through the junction for cyclists.
Labour’s plans will tackle these problems by replacing the existing roundabout and mini-roundabout with a single signal-controlled junction.
New intelligent traffic signals will help traffic move more efficiently, while priority lanes will be introduced for buses.
The existing pedestrian subways will be removed and replaced with street-level signal-controlled crossings, making it easier and safer for people to cross the junction.
Dedicated cycle routes will also be created through Cowgate, alongside improvements to access for nearby homes, shops and businesses.
The final design has been amended following consultation with local residents and businesses, including changes to access arrangements around Lower Cowgate.
The Cowgate scheme forms part of Labour’s wider programme to modernise Newcastle’s transport infrastructure and improve important routes across the city.
Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, said: “Cowgate is one of the busiest and most important junctions in Newcastle, but for too long the existing layout has meant congestion, delays and a poor environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Labour has secured millions of pounds of investment to tackle those problems and deliver a junction that works better for everyone.
“This is a major piece of infrastructure investment for Cowgate and for the wider city, making journeys safer and easier while improving one of the key routes into Newcastle.
“There will inevitably be some disruption while such a major project is delivered, but we will work to keep that to a minimum and the result will be a safer, more efficient junction for residents, businesses and everyone travelling through this part of the city.”