Road closures to protect matchgoers following games have been trialled successfully.
A general exterior view of St James Park
The road closures could be safer for pedestrians overall, but the change in bus routes could prove troublesome
(Image: Getty Images)
New road closures outside of St James' Park after Newcastle United matchdays will continue for the rest of the football season, Newcastle City Council confirmed. Fans have been told to expect "short-term" closures of a section of Barrack Road just outside of the stadium for "most games".
The measure has been trialled on three recent St James' Park matchdays, as previously reported by ChronicleLive. The idea is to close the road between Stanhope Street and St James' Boulevard for up to 45 minutes after each match, or until crowds have cleared.
The council, football club and Northumbria Police said the trial had been a success and added: "With traffic diverted away from Barrack Road, large crowds of fans were able to leave the stadium quickly and safely on foot, which had minimum disruption on other road users in the area."
However, there may be "revised arrangements" for Newcastle United's home Champions' League games, the authorities said. Coun Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council's transport chief, said: “The key aim of this trial was to get fans home safely and easily.
"I am pleased they will remain in place as it improves safety for the large crowds of people exiting St James’ Park, with minimum disruption to other road users during the short closure. We will continue to listen to feedback from fans, residents and transport partners through the season to see if further improvements can be made.”
Ch Supt Mark Hall, football lead for Northumbria Police, said: "The safety of fans on a match day will always be our number one priority – and we’re pleased with how the post-whistle road closures have worked for recent fixtures. As ever, we will continue to monitor the enhanced measures in place alongside the club and council as well as the public – and take on board any feedback."
The normal pre-match closures will be in place ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick off. Then after the game, the new closures on Barrack Road will be in place. Drivers will be required to follow signed diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street, but access for emergency services will be maintained.
A number of Stagecoach bus services will be diverted during the closures - with alternative bus stops in use. More information can be found on the operator's website. The X50 soccer bus, which runs to the MetroCentre Park and Ride, will pick up passengers from the top of St James’ Boulevard - outside of the Citygate building.
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