Progress report

The micro-tunnelling is now complete and boring-out is under way for the installation of the drainage system.

We’ve removed 150,000 tonnes of soil which will be used in the forthcoming work to improve Testos junction. The sheet piling has now been removed from the underpass.

We’re now three quarters of the way through the project. Transport watchdog Transport Focus visited the scheme and were very impressed with progress so far New public lighting is currently being installed along the A19.

What next?

The construction of the A19 North and South Bridges and the A1058 Eastbound bridges will be completed. Traffic will be diverted onto the new A19 North bridge in mid-October and onto the A19 South Bridge in mid-December. The traffic on the A1058 will be placed into contraflow on the eastbound carriageway to allow the bridge works to commence on the west bound in March 2018.

The A1058 west bound bridge beams will be lifted in summer 2018. The excavation of the underpass will commence in January 2018. The method of construction to create the underpass is known as ‘top down construction’ which means the bridge decks will be constructed first allowing us to work down to the bottom of the excavation.

Timeline

Date	Event
24 February 2015	Preliminary meeting
30 July 2015	Development consent order examination ends
30 October 2015	Development consent order recommendation
28 January 2016	Development consent order decision
12 February 2016	High Court challenge period
June 2016	Start of works
March 2019	End of works

Why we need this scheme

The junction suffers peak time congestion with delays of over 4 minutes per vehicle on the A19 southbound approach. The accident rate at this junction is higher than the national average (2008-2012).

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 3 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 of 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 have had to close the bridleway running east from Battle Hill to Silverlink 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 are sorry for any inconvenience. The final scheme will include 2 new footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists across the A1058.

Roadworks and Events for England

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