00:00The latest redesign plans for Gosford High Street have sparked both support and criticism as Newcastle City Council seeks to improve the area's infrastructure.
00:09The proposals aim to enhance walking, cycling and bus facilities along the busy route, which has been a subject of debate for several years.
00:16Past changes, including a row of bollards and the introduction of a bus lane, were met with mixed reactions.
00:22The Council's new development plans built upon the permanent bus lanes introduced in September.
00:28Among the key proposals are new northbound bus lanes between Graham Park Road and Elmfield Road, and between the Gosforth Hotel pub and Henry Street.
00:37To improve pedestrian safety, a new signalised puffing cluster will be installed between Roseworth Avenue and Graham Park Road.
00:43The plans also include widening the footway on the west side of the High Street between Ivy Road and Woodbine Road.
00:50The proposals include new cycle infrastructure, such as a cycle lane along Christian Road,
00:55and a segregated two-way cycle track on the Great North Road between Hollywood Avenue and Christian Road.
01:01To address traffic concerns, the Council has proposed closing certain roads to vehicles, including the option to close Moorfield to traffic near its intersection.
01:10The junction of West Avenue and High Street would also be closed to vehicles, with an exemption for cyclists.
01:16These changes are part of a broader effort by the Council to create a more substantial and safer environment,
01:21particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and schoolchildren who frequently travel through the area.
01:27However, not all local representatives are in favour of the proposals.
01:31Gosforth Councillor and Liberal Democrat opposition leader Colin Ferguson has criticised the plans, calling them piecemeal.
01:38He argued that the changes seem to be driven by available funding rather than the actual need of the community.
Comments