(20 Aug 2014, 8:56 am)Dan wrote http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/council-announces-major-shake-up-newcastle-7639310

(20 Aug 2014, 11:57 am)AdamY wrote I agree with the proposals in principle.

The Scotswood Bridge junction certainly needs improvement. It is the roundabout which causes much of the congestion. To make traffic flow freely would, in my opinion, require the roundabout to be scrapped and replaced with some sort of GSJ from the west which, in turn, would allow a dual carriageway to be constructed. However, that's easier said than done.

The dualing of Grandstand Road shouldn't prove to be that much of a problem. It's the Blue House Roundabout to Haddricks Mill section which will prove problematic. The road, as it stands, is probably wide enough to accommodate two lanes without a central reservation, but with bus stops and parked cars to consider, it's going to be tricky.

(20 Aug 2014, 1:44 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Should take out that Roundabout and have 4 Way Traffic Lights. As that Roundabout is Dangerous.

(20 Aug 2014, 9:15 pm)tyresmoke wrote Haddricksmill was a right faff on when I was driving round it last summer!

(17 Apr 2015, 8:27 pm)Malarkey wrote Never knew Northumberland Street was open to Traffic, well at least during my lifetime anyway, great to see Photos like this from the past.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/markh737/17154906246/

(17 Apr 2015, 10:48 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Remember it well.

My parents used to take me to Wimpy (now Burger King) and I used to sit upstairs and watch the buses go by.

Northumberland Street also used to be the main thoroughfare for the A1 before Central Motorway East, Tyne Tunnel and the Newcastle Western By-pass were constructed.

This and other images can be found on Skyscraper City.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:42 pm)Malarkey wrote What were the reasons behind Pedestrianising Northumberland Street, and which year did this take place, looking at that Photo I dont think we would ever see it reopen to traffic.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:43 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote If it ever was to reopen to traffic, I think that the NHS would buy a large shop and convert it into an ambulance station.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:43 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote If it ever was to reopen to traffic, I think that the NHS would buy a large shop and convert it into an ambulance station.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:42 pm)Malarkey wrote What were the reasons behind Pedestrianising Northumberland Street, and which year did this take place, looking at that Photo I dont think we would ever see it reopen to traffic.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:56 pm)Andreos1 wrote Probably to move traffic away from the city centre/shopping area.

Up until the mid/late 90's, the very top (onto Northumberland Road) was still open for buses.
The remaining section still had restricted access and a small road going down the middle for a long time. Possibly into the early 90's.

Edit: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=982536&page=113 found this, with images of the changes and the small road that wound its way down.

(18 Apr 2015, 1:22 pm)MurdnunoC wrote The top bit of Northumberland was pedestrianised in 1999. The bottom bit, I'm guessing, 1989/90, perhaps earlier. I believe the street was narrowed once the Central Motorway East was completed in 1975.

The picture below (perhaps my favourite) was taken in 1976.