Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys on Tyneside on Thursday, June 9 as the annual Blaydon Race gets underway.

The 5.6 mile annual road race will be taking place for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic. The event will be starting for the first time from the Newcastle Quayside and to ensure the event proceeds safely it is necessary to introduce temporary road closures to the following roads.

Newcastle City Council road closures:

Cox Chare

Broad Chare

King Street

Lombard Street

Newcastle Quayside

Sandhill

Forth Banks

Hanover Street

Skinnerburn Road

Dunn Street

Water Street

Hampshire Court

Amethyst Road

Monarch Road

William Armstrong Drive

A695 Scotswood Road

Gateshead Council road closures:

Swing Bridge

Bridge Street

Bottle Bank

A695 Scotswood Bridge

A695 Blaydon Highway

Tundry Way

Chainbridge Road

The closures will start at 6pm and will be in place until 9.30pm on Thursday, June 9 2022.

The closures are likely to cause some congestion in Newcastle city centre, Gateshead town centre and Blaydon as well as other roads in and out of the area. Fully signposted diversions will be in place, but drivers are advised to avoid the affected areas if possible and to allow additional time for journeys.

The event organisers, Northumbria Police, and both Gateshead and Newcastle Council apologise for any inconvenience or delay this event may cause and thank everyone for their patience and co-operation.