The major annual sporting event will take place on Sunday 8 September, with 60,000 runners making the famous crossing over the iconic Tyne Bridge as they run the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields. The Great North 5K will take place on Friday 6 September and the Junior and Mini AJ Bell Great North Runs will also take place in the city on Saturday 7 September, with both these events taking place around the Quayside.
In order to facilitate the Great North Run safely, a number of road closures are required. The road closures will be in three parts, starting at 8pm on Saturday evening from Cowhill (A167) to the Great North Road where the legendary run begins which will be closed until 6pm on the Sunday. Central motorway and the Tyne Bridge will be closed from 8.45am to 3pm on Sunday, with short duration closures on the Great North Road and Jesmond Dene Road at Blue House Roundabout from 10am until 11am on Sunday also.
Runners and spectators coming into the city are encouraged to use public transport where possible. Park and ride facilities operate from many Metro stations and from the MetroCentre, just off the A1.
Cllr Marion Williams, cabinet member for a Sustainable City at Newcastle City Council, said: “The Tyne Bridge plays an important role in the Great North Run, with 60,000 people running over the iconic structure, and will continue to do so throughout its four-year restoration programme.
“It may look a little different this year, but we will ensure there is minimum impact on runners at this key sporting event. This includes ensuring there is enough capacity to accommodate the runners as they cross the bridge, which will involve removing some of the traffic management measures currently in place.
“With the Tyne Bridge undergoing major restoration work, we can only accommodate spectators on the approaches to the Tyne Bridge, but I am sure the runners will still experience the amazing atmosphere and warm Geordie welcome as they cross the iconic Tyne Bridge, a key part of what makes this course so special.
“It will be an amazing event which we are incredibly proud to be part of.”
With the Tyne Bridge undergoing major restoration work with only one footway open, spectators will not be able to stand on the bridge between the towers this year and should find alternative areas to cheer runners on. Marshalls will be in place to ensure the footway is kept clear for people crossing the river.
Once the last runner is across the starting line, teams will move in to begin the mammoth task of removing the road closures, with central motorway and the Tyne Bridge fully operational from 3pm, and the start area expected to be fully cleared by 6pm.
Following the Great North Run, there will be a series of overnight closures on the Quayside as major scaffolding works are erected around the Newcastle Tower as part of the Tyne Bridge restoration works. Starting on Sunday 8 September, road closures will be in place between Sandhill and Broadchare between 8pm and 6am until 19 September (Sundays to Thursdays), with these closures due to end at 6am on Friday 20 September.
In addition, temporary no-waiting restrictions will be in place between 7am and 11am on Sunday 8 September on Ponteland Road – south side, from the access road to Wingrove House rear car park to its eastern junction with A167 Jedburgh Road.