Views wanted on new bus gate proposal for Wardley
Go North East, Gateshead Council and Nexus, are asking people for their views on proposals to improve access into Wardley for buses coming from South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Working together under the East Gateshead Quality Bus Partnership, the three organisations are proposing to introduce a bus gate on the busy A185 dual carriageway which will allow buses to turn right and have direct access to Wardley from the Felling Bypass.
The bus gate will give buses a dedicated exit off the Felling Bypass opposite the Sunderland Road/Felling Bypass junction. Traffic lights are then triggered only when buses use the new exit to hold up oncoming traffic and give buses direct, priority access to Wardley.
Martin Harris, Commercial Director with Go North East said, “By introducing the bus gate, our buses will be able to provide a convenient, direct service to Newcastle and Gateshead for residents in Wardley.”
Bernard Garner, Director General, Nexus, said: "Up to two million bus passengers a year use the Felling Bypass and this has the potentail to further improve journeys already boosted by the new bus lane."
To give people the opportunity to find out more about the plans, a drop-in session has been arranged for Thursday, August 7 at Wardley Legion Club on Palmans Bank, Sunderland Road between 12 noon and 7pm. Staff will be available to answer questions and visitors can also pick up a leaflet and complete a questionnaire on the proposals.
Leaflets giving details of the plans will be available on local buses and details of the scheme and the opportunity to comment are also available online.
All comments need to be returned by Monday, August 18 when they will be considered before final plans are drawn up. Work on the new bus gate could begin early next year.