Barrack Road closure to enhance supporter safety on matchdays at St. James' Park | OneFootball

Starting on Friday, 8th August (Espanyol, kick-off 7:30pm BST) and Saturday, 9th August (Atlético Madrid, kick-off 4pm BST), Barrack Road will be temporarily closed to traffic post-match to create a safer environment for supporters leaving the stadium.

The short-term closure will cover Barrack Road between Stanhope Street and St. James' Boulevard, beginning at the final whistle or earlier if large numbers of fans leave prior to full-time.

The closure will be in place for up to 45 minutes after the final whistle, or until crowds disperse and Match Control officers from Northumbria Police deem it safe to reopen the road to traffic.

During the closure, no vehicles will be permitted on this section of Barrack Road and drivers will be required to follow signed diversions via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove and Stanhope Street.

Diversions & travel updates • Vehicles will be rerouted via Westgate Road, Brighton Grove, and Stanhope Street. • Stagecoach buses normally stopping on Barrack Road will be diverted and passengers will be required to use alternative bus stops while the short closure is in place. • 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.

Alongside Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police, it has been confirmed that the temporary closures are required in the interest of public safety as large crowds of fans often spill out across both sides of Barrack Road while departing the ground at the end of the game.

Newcastle United's Chief Operating Officer, Brad Miller, commented: "Ensuring the safety of fans is our absolute priority. Enhanced matchday safety measures are a result of close collaboration between the club and city partners, designed to provide a positive experience for everyone attending matches at St. James' Park. Together, we will continue to monitor the impact and listen to feedback throughout the season."

The measures will continue for all home games throughout the season and, if required, other events taking place at St. James' Park where large numbers of people are expected to leave at once. Measures are being introduced on a trial basis and will be monitored as the season progresses.

Cllr Juna Sathian, Cabinet Member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council, added: "Our main priority is public safety and these measures are designed to ensure there are safe and separate spaces for the large numbers of fans leaving St. James' Park and for all other road users as well.

"With traffic diverted away from Barrack Road, vehicles will be able to continue their journeys without experiencing delays due to the crowds and fans will have space to make their way from the stadium quickly and safely on foot.

"The closure will be kept in place for only as long as required and the road will be reopened as soon as the crowds have cleared the area."