Key Quayside links set to close for summer roadworks
Two short but important streets on Newcastle’s east Quayside will be closed to general traffic for around three months from Monday 27 July, as the city council implements a temporary traffic order to allow works to take place. The restrictions cover Bottlehouse Street and Glasshouse Street, corridors frequently used to move between the Quayside, Ouseburn and St Lawrence areas.
According to the public notice, the closure on Bottlehouse Street runs from its junction with Merchant Wharf through to Glasshouse Street. On Glasshouse Street, the restriction extends from Quayside up to St Lawrence Road. The council says the streets are expected to reopen by 26 October at the latest, or sooner if the scheme finishes early. A signed diversion will be in place on site.
What’s changing and why it matters
The order, made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, allows Newcastle City Council to temporarily alter traffic movements so contractors can work safely and so risks to road users are reduced. The Quayside is a busy waterfront district with a mix of homes, offices, hospitality and visitor attractions, and even modest road closures can change how people drive and deliver in the area during peak summer months.
Only vehicles directly involved with the works will be permitted access within the restricted zone. Emergency services — police, fire and ambulance — may enter when responding to incidents. All other motor traffic will need to follow the diversion signage. The council has not published a detailed diversion map in the notice, so drivers are advised to allow extra time and follow local signs when approaching from the Quayside or St Lawrence Road.
Closure extents and timing
| Section | From | To | Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottlehouse Street | Merchant Wharf junction | Glasshouse Street | No motor vehicles (with specified exemptions) |
| Glasshouse Street | Quayside | St Lawrence Road | No motor vehicles (with specified exemptions) |
| Duration | Starts 27 July | Expected until 26 October | Three months maximum |
Access, deliveries and local travel
For businesses and residents in the immediate vicinity, the key change is that through traffic will not be permitted on the affected sections while works are under way. Access arrangements for construction traffic will be managed on site. The notice does not list specific alterations to public transport; passengers should check with their bus operator or use real-time apps for any short-term diversions on routes serving the east Quayside and St Lawrence corridors.
Drivers using the Quayside as a cross-city route between the city centre, Ouseburn and Byker are likely to encounter different turning movements and additional pressure on adjacent streets during the works period. Planning journeys in advance and following the signposted alternative route should reduce delays.
How the temporary order works
Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) are commonly used to facilitate road maintenance, utility connections or improvement schemes. They give councils time-limited powers to close roads or change traffic priorities, usually with notice to the public and clear signage at street level. In this case, the restriction applies to all motor vehicles except those engaged in the works and emergency services responding to incidents. Pedestrian access is typically maintained where safe, though users should heed on-site instructions.
Getting more information
Further details can be requested from the council’s Traffic Management team. Residents and commuters can email trafficregulationorders@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 278 7878. The notice indicates that information will also be available on site via diversion signs during the works.
What to do now
- Note the start date: 27 July, with an expected finish by 26 October.
- If you usually drive via Bottlehouse Street or Glasshouse Street, plan an alternative route and follow diversion signs.
- Allow extra time when travelling along the Quayside and towards St Lawrence Road while the order is in force.
- Direct any queries to the council’s Traffic Management section using the contact details above.
InfoRadar will monitor the programme and update readers if the council confirms an early reopening or changes to the traffic management arrangements.
