In all fairness, once the bus had passed the mini-roundabout after the Shell garage at the top of Askew Road heading towards Metrocentre, it was pretty much plain sailing.
Heading towards Metrocentre, Askew Road is perhaps the quickest route to take in terms of time and distance. Towards Gateshead, it's probably more or less the same - perhaps slightly quicker using Centrelink. Off-peak, I'd normally not complain, but at peak-times Askew Road can become quite congested.
However, I do agree Centrelink should be used unless there's a diversion in place. As you have both pointed out, that's why it was built in the first place.
RE: What's annoying you today? V3