'Final whistle' road closures extended after trial

The measures have been put in place to aid fans leaving St James' Park

Post-match road closures for Newcastle United's home games will continue until the end of the season, it has been confirmed.

Barrack Road, which runs alongside the club's St James' Park, has been shut between Stanhope Street and St James' Boulevard at the final whistle of three home games so far this campaign.

Newcastle City Council hailed the trial as a success and said diverting traffic had allowed large numbers of supporters to leave the stadium "quickly and on foot".

The closures, which last for up to 45 minutes, are expected to be in place for most games, although there may be revised arrangements for some fixtures such as Champions League clashes.

The club, the council and Northumbria Police previously said the measure was needed for public safety as fans often spilled across both sides of the road after games.

Labour's Juna Sathian, cabinet member for climate and transport, said it "improves safety for the large crowds of people exiting St James' Park, with minimum disruption to other road users during the short closure".

Ch Supt Mark Hall, football lead for Northumbria Police, said the force was "pleased with how the post-whistle road closures have worked for recent fixtures".

The closures along Barrack Road will be in place for up to 45 minutes

Drivers will be required to follow diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street. Access for emergency services will be maintained.

A number of Stagecoach bus services will also be diverted with passengers needing to use alternative bus stops while the closure is in place.

The X50 soccer bus, which runs to the Metrocentre Park and Ride on home match days, will pick up passengers from the top of St James' Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.