A major project to create new footways and cycleways in Newcastle town centre has been finished ahead of schedule, linking existing routes with Keele University and Stoke-on-Trent railway station.
The works complete a key connection from the A52 George Street into the town centre via Hassell Street and the A527 Barracks Road, around the junction of the two routes. These upgrades are designed to encourage more people to walk and cycle, supporting healthier lifestyles while reducing vehicle traffic in the town centre. All traffic management was cleared on 8 September, ten days earlier than planned, with the final signage installed the following week.
Key elements of the scheme include:
- New cycle markings on Hassell Street
- A widened shared-use footway at the Hassell Street/Barracks Road junction
- Upgraded crossing facilities on Barracks Road, including a widened central reservation
- A new shared-use footway on the west side of Barracks Road, stretching from the crossing to Castle House
- Refurbished traffic signals and resurfacing of parts of the main road
Funding for the scheme was secured by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council through the UK Government, with the work delivered by Staffordshire County Council.
Future projects will build on this, including extending the Greenway from the A34 along Station Walks to George Street, and enhancing walking and cycling links throughout the town centre.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said:
“We’re pleased to have completed this scheme and ten days ahead of schedule. This is a busy central road and so getting work done as soon as possible has been critical.
“This scheme provides the town centre cycleway section as part of a continuous link from Stoke-on-Trent railway station to Keele University.
“It is part of a joint drive with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians in the town and to encourage healthier lifestyles. It’s demonstration of effective collaborative working to improve communities across the county.
“We’d again like to thank people for their patience and understanding while work was carried out.”
Stephen Sweeney, deputy leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, added:
“Millions of pounds are being invested in different ways in Newcastle’s town centre to make it an attractive place for residents of all ages to live, work and enjoy themselves safely.
“Developing walking and cycling routes, including those which link to Keele University and Hanley is an integral part of that development as we make the town centre more easily accessible. It’s great to see the scheme completed and in use by our residents.”
