Progress report

The A19 underpass is now open for traffic and we are receiving excellent feedback from customers, residents and businesses.

What's next?

We are continuing to finish off landscaping, traffic management and other works. This may require occasional overnight closures which will be highlighted in advance.

Timeline

Community news

We recently held an event marking the opening to traffic which was well attended. Visitors were able to talk to project managers and to view videos and displays about the work.

Why we need this scheme

The junction suffers peak-time congestion with delays of over four minutes per vehicle on the A19 southbound approach. The accident rate at this junction is higher than the national average (2008-12).

The scheme in detail

We propose to:

• realign the A19 under the existing A19 roundabout
• construct slip roads to allow the A19/A1058 coast road junction to provide access to the junction to and from the lowered A19
• construct three new single span structures to allow the A1058 coast road and A19 roundabout to cross over the realigned A19
• construct retaining walls so that we can minimise how much new land the new layout will use
• retain or enhance facilities for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians
• widen Middle Engine Lane railway bridge to accommodate the A19 north-facing slip roads
• install new infrastructure/street furniture associated with the scheme works identified above, including central reserve concrete barriers, drainage, pavements, road lighting, traffic signals, traffic signs, road markings and CCTV

Aims

We aim to:

• reduce congestion
• increase capacity
• improve journey times
• improve road safety for both road users and the local community
• support regeneration in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland
• maintain or improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists crossing and travelling along the route

Cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians

We've had to close the bridleway running east from Battle Hill to Silverlink and this will be closed for 12-18 months.

A signed diversion is in place for pedestrians and cyclists. There was no diversion that would be suitable for riders. We know this is disruptive and we're sorry for any inconvenience.

The final scheme will include two new footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists across the A1058.

Roadworks and Events for England

The latest incident information for England's motorway and trunk routes provided by Highways England