Safety upgrade at busy North Tyneside junction
Safety improvements have been made in order to help protect cyclists and pedestrians on a road in North Tyneside.
Northumbrian Water – in partnership with North Tyneside Council – has revamped the junction close to the entrance of Howdon Sewage Treatment Works (STW).
The work includes the installation of pedestrian guard rails and the laying of tactile paving.
The water company decided to take action to make the area safer for cyclists at the busy junction.
The new improved cycle measures aim to encourage cyclists and pedestrians to pause at the junction and also help prepare the site for planned future works at Howdon, ensuring safer movement in the area around the site as activity increases.
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Ben Gilbert, project manager for capital delivery major projects at Northumbrian Water said: “We know this stretch of path is used every day by the local community, and we want people to feel safe, clear and comfortable whether they’re walking to the Metro, cycling to work or out with family.
"These changes are a practical step that will improve visibility and support safe access around Howdon STW.”
He added: “Howdon is the biggest sewage treatment works on the east coast, between Edinburgh and London, so site traffic can sometimes be busy.
"We are currently in the process of defining a major investment programme to upgrade and enhance the site, to ensure that it continues to operate in the best and most efficient way possible.
"While this is still in its initial planning stages, when we consider our current traffic movements with the future construction traffic, we’re aware we want to make this as safe as possible, not only for our people and partners, but for the community.”
Councillor Hannah Johnson, North Tyneside Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "We are delighted to have worked alongside Northumbrian Water to deliver these safety improvements at Howdon.
"This route is well-used, and these measures will make the area safer for anyone passing through on a bike or on foot.
"I'm proud that we've been able to work with a local partner to make that happen."