'Final whistle' road closure outside stadium

The closure will be in place for up to 45 minutes

A busy road outside a city stadium will close for up to 45 minutes after home games in a trial starting next month.

Barrack Road in Newcastle will be shut between Stanhope Street and St James' Boulevard in time for fans leaving the stands at the final whistle.

The first short-term closures will be on 8 August, after the friendly match against Espanyol and on 9 August after the Sela Cup game against Atletico Madrid.

Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and Newcastle United said the measure was needed for public safety as large crowds of fans often spilled across both sides of the road after games.

The closures will continue for all home games throughout the season and for some other events taking place at St James' Park if required, the local authority said.

Cabinet member for climate and transport, Juna Sathian, said the road would reopen as soon as crowds had cleared the area.

"With traffic diverted away from Barrack Road, vehicles will be able to continue their journeys without experiencing delays due to the crowds and fans," Sathian said.

"They will also have space to make their way from the stadium quickly and safely on foot."

The closures aim to ensure everyone can leave the stadium swiftly and safely, police say

Newcastle United's chief operating officer, Brad Miller, said the enhanced measures were designed to provide a "positive experience for everyone attending matches".

Football lead for Northumbria Police, Ch Supt Mark Hall, said: "We hope the new trial road closures planned for the city will ensure everyone can leave the stadium swiftly and safely, with minimal disruption for other traffic."

Signed diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street will be in place during the closures.

A number of Stagecoach bus services will also be diverted.

The X50 soccer bus which runs to the MetroCentre park and ride will pick up passengers from the top of St. James' Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.

The measures are being introduced on a trial basis and will be reviewed.