Hunter Street will rely on just one lane in each direction to make way for a trial of brand new bike lanes in the city’s west.
Single direction bike lanes are currently being installed on both sides of the road between National Park Street and Worth Place.
A number of on-street parks and bus stops are also set to be moved, and the speed limit reduced to 40 kilometres an hour as part of the project.
No parking spaces will be lost, despite major changes to the road.
Newcastle Cycleways President Sam Reich says he hopes “world standard” bike lane options will go a long way to encouraging more people to get out of their cars and into the saddle.
“The main barriers to more people riding their bikes is not the weather, it’s not the terrain, it’s not people’s fitness,” Mr Reich said.
“The factor preventing it is this perception of lack of safety on bicycles, when bicycles mix with traffic.”
It’s hoped, if the trial is successful, the cycleway could be extended to Islington Park and all the way to Mayfield.
The works are expected to be wrapped up by September.