Although the RMS plans for the Rankin Park to Jesmond bypass are almost universally bad news for cyclists and pedestrians, there is one good thing , which is the intention to replace the pedestrian/cycle crossing on Newcastle Road with an overhead bridge. I personally witnessed an accident that injured a cyclist at this crossing a few years ago (fortunately not too serious) so an overhead bridge here will be a much needed and great improvement in safety.

But to remove one crossing here, while adding three crossings at the southern interchange, really is a case of one step forward and three steps backwards.

Artist’s impression of shared path bridge over Newcastle Road looking west. Page 15 of the EIS.