Project update

Thanks for having your say! Concept designs for Jesmond Cycleway Improvements along William Street and Blue Gum Road have now been adopted by Council. Read below to find out what we heard.

It is anticipated that detailed design for Stage 1 will commence this financial year with construction to follow. We will provide an update to the community when construction is due to commence.

Jesmond is a key area for cycling, with a number of major routes passing through it connecting nearby destinations including the University, Wallsend, John Hunter Hospital, as well as Jesmond Park, and Jesmond local centre.

The construction of the Inner-City Bypass has temporarily interrupted the popular R5 cycleway which is the main route between Wallsend and the city centre.

To improve connectivity at this time, the development of an alternate path through Jesmond is being provided along a largely off-road shared path, which predominantly runs next to Dark Creek passing through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve.

Due to the extent of this project, it is being progressed as two stages. We are currently seeking feedback on Stage 1 of the works, involving the connection along William Street and Blue Gum Road.

Stage 2 involves a bridge over Dark Creek, a shared path connection through Heaton Park, and continuation on to Mordue Parade near Mayo Street. This will be presented for public feedback at a later date.

We are seeking feedback on a proposal to deliver new infrastructure for a safe cycling route on William Street and Blue Gum Road, Jesmond. This proposal is part of a broader project to improve cycling safety and connectivity from the existing overpass above the Inner City Bypass to the shared path at the end of Mordue Parade, Jesmond.

Proposed works include:

• Shared paths on the southern side of William Street, and on the eastern side of Blue Gum Road through to the existing pedestrian crossing
• New kerb ramps at the entry to William Street and a off ramp for cyclists wishing to ride on-road along William Street
• Kerb extension near the entrance to William Street
• Kerb extension on Blue Gum Road to accommodate the new shared path

The proposed works will significantly improve cycling safety on William Street and Blue Gum Road, Jesmond.

Thanks for having your say!

What we heard during community consultation

We heard from 6 people. Five submissions supported the proposed design (3 with changes) and one did not support the proposal.

Key concerns/issues raised include:

• Upgrading the pedestrian crossing on Blue Gum Road to a combined crossing.
• Providing adequate width for vehicles to pass traffic on Blue Gum Road waiting to turn right into the shopping centre.
• The need for traffic calming and a prioritised crossing point on William Street.
• Driveway access and congestion near a potential development on the corner of Blue Gum Road and William Street.

What changes have been made to the plan?

• The central median on Blue Gum Road has been adjusted to provide a right turn lane into shopping centre and maintain through traffic.
• The median island at the pedestrian crossing on Blue Gum Road has been adjusted to provide consistent traffic paths. The design also allows for a potential future cycle crossing.
• Driveway access has been rectified as part of the final concept plan.