(27 Jul 2021, 4:13 pm)Andreos1 wrote That's why I said earlier on, that there would need to be massive changes to the road infrastructure/layout.
But if that's what gets people to make that modal switch, then it might be needed.
If it isn't, the X21 is going to be stuck behind traffic heading to TVTE whilst it battles its way to Low Fell.
A busway over the motorway (similar to the one at the Metrocentre) would be an effective way of getting the 8 from the northbound MotoHub back in to Washington (Holiday Inn/Chevies/Ayton).
I don't see the issue with the X1, as it would head up/down Fell Bank to the Angel to/from Wrekenton and it would still have easy access to the A195/A182.
Someone wanting to get to Rainton Bridge or Doxford Park from Birtley isn't likely to make the modal switch if they can get down to Picktree and drive through Fencehouses in 10mins.
As it stands, it's the best part of 30mins to the Galleries on the 82, another 30mins on the X1 to Houghton and another 10/15mins to either of the business parks.
Similarly, someone going from Harraton to TVTE can jump straight on the motorway or head through Birtley and Lamesley. Or they can get a bus to the Galleries (10/15mins), jump on an X1 and gamble on connecting to a 94 at the QE (30mins+ depending on connections).
If this idea was ever going to come off (which to be honest, it's not likely to) the MotoHub journeys could be just as quick as they would be in the car.
Replicate those journeys tenfold and car is going to continue to be king.
Make hard improvements to infrastructure and the network and people will realise public transport is not so such of a chew on after all.
I know what your trying to say and can't really disagree but it sounds rather expensive building bridges etc to force a hub in a place which might not work.
Imo you'd be better off spending the money on reopening the Leamside Line which means you can have quick efficient trains taking traffic away from the roads and also trains from the ECML so you could potentially run a railway service between Durham and Newcastle with stations at Newton Hall, CLS, Birtley, Team Valley (P&R), Lobley Hill (P&R), Newcastle. Then the same at Follingsby (P&R), Washington, Penshaw (Bus to Doxford Park), Fencehouses (Bus to Rainton) and just end it there.
With a good bus service to the railway station and decent connections ticketing and timings in Birtley you'd take much more traffic away from the roads.
Obviously neither will happen though since there's no money for them.