A busy transport hub in Newcastle will undergo a series of improvement works starting next month.
From 10 June, Eldon Square Bus Station will be fully closed for three weeks to allow resurfacing works on part of the bus station, new road markings and improvements to drainage and guardrails to be completed.
During the closure Nexus will also be making improvements to the real time passenger information displays in the bus station concourse.
While the works are under way, all bus services that normally operate from the bus station will instead use alternative temporary stops elsewhere in the city centre.
Pamela Holmes, Assistant Director of Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “Thousands of people use Eldon Square Bus Station every week, with frequent services operating each day from first thing in the morning until last thing at night.
“As many passengers will be aware, the bus station is in need of improvements, including resurfacing to tackle potholes and damage to the road surface that has developed over time.
“Unfortunately it is not possible to carry out these works while the bus station remains in use and passengers will need to use alternative temporary stops while the bus station is closed.
“We’ve worked closely with Nexus and bus operators to agree appropriate arrangements for all affected services.”
Passengers are advised to check with Nexus at www.nexus.org.uk or their bus operator for information about specific services.
John Souter, Head of Customer Service Operations at Nexus, said: “This is essential improvement work at Eldon Square Bus Station to ensure that it can be used for many years to come.
“The council’s planned resurfacing works on the parking area can only be carried out by temporarily diverting services to other locations in the city centre.
“Alternative temporary stops have been set up on Newgate Street, while other services will be diverted to Haymarket bus station and to stops on Percy Street.
“The Eldon Square bus station concourse will remain open as a thoroughfare for pedestrians during the works, but buses will be not call there for the three-week period, 10 June to 29 June. We are also taking the opportunity to carry out some improvements to the real time information displays.
“All of the information on diverted services about is available on our website www.nexus.org.uk.”
The bus station is expected to reopen to passengers from Monday 29 June.
Following the completion of the bus station works, work will get under way on improvements at the Gallowgate and Percy Street junction. Preliminary works for the junction improvements are currently taking place.
The junction improvements are funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and will see the upgrade of traffic signals and improvements to the pedestrian crossings.
Temporary traffic lights will be in use while the main signals are upgraded and some lane closures may also be required so drivers are advised to allow more time for their journeys.
Further details about the temporary traffic arrangements during the junction improvement works will be confirmed nearer the time.
Information can be found at https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/travel/improvements/gallowgate
Ends
Full list of diverted bus services from Eldon Square Bus station 10 June – 29 June.
Haymarket:
- 49, 74 and X47 from Stand Y
- X74, X77, X78, X79, X87/X88 from Stand X
- X46 from Stand R (moved from another stand at Haymarket to facilitate works)
- 355/356 from stand T (moved from another stand at Haymarket to facilitate works)
St Andrew's Church, Newgate Street
- 6, 47, X45 Northbound Newgate Street stop outside St Andrew’s Church (NG2)
- 21, 22, 28, 28B, 29, X12, X21 Southbound Newgate Street stop opposite St Andrew’s Church (NG3)
- 10, 10a, 10b, 12 Northbound Newgate Street stop, outside Premier Inn at The Gate “NG1”
- X1, X1a, X1b, X10 Southbound opposite The Gate “NG4”
- X30, X31, X32, X70 and X71, X72, X73 Southbound Newgate Street stop, opposite Maldron Hotel “NG5”