(08 Sep 2023, 8:55 am)Ambassador wrote The contingency plans are due to be announced in Autumn which is a vague timeline.

I can't see GNE wanting to send half their fleet over the Tyne Bridge to sit in traffic like it did during the recent fire

(08 Sep 2023, 9:02 am)Storx wrote They should make the Swing Bridge towards Newcastle only, buses only imo, would help them get through and promote people to use them during the problems. There's a bus lane all the way from the Interchange to it as far as I'm aware.

The Quayside is going to turn a car park otherwise.

Obviously there's the High Level Bridge in the other direction.

I'd suggested this previously on the forum, and imo, it's the only sensible option available. We know traffic is going to be a nightmare, so it's up to Newcastle and Gateshead Councils to make buses part of the solution, not the problem.

It wouldn't require many changes to implement either. There's already a bus lane coming down from High Street, which changes into a filter lane for the Swing Bridge just before the Askew Road junction lights. Have this as Sage Car Park only, with the Swing Bridge turning into a temporary bus gate. Southbound continues as is, over the High Level Bridge.

It's one of those scenarios where there's not a lot the operators can do, if the Councils don't play ball. Terminating everything at Gateshead would be one option, but I think we'd sharp discover that the Metro cannot cope with the additional loadings.