Major plans to improve a key South Tyneside gateway are moving forward with the appointment of a contractor to deliver the scheme.
South Tyneside Council has appointed Galliford Try Infrastructure Limited to undertake the Lindisfarne and John Reid Road roundabout (Leam Lane / A194) improvement works this summer.
The project aims to reduce accidents, ease congestion and improve traffic flows for motorists entering and leaving the Borough at this key junction. It will also include flood alleviation works.
Galliford Try is a leading construction company, which has undertaken a number of projects in the North East, including the award winning Littlehaven Promenade and Seawall at South Shields.
Councillor Allan West, Lead Member for Housing and Transport at South Tyneside Council, said: “We are delighted to have Galliford Try on board to help deliver this ambitious scheme. Their appointment represents a significant milestone and a major step forward in our plans to provide better connections between the A19 for people coming in and out of South Shields.
“The project aims to improve traffic flows and cut journey times especially at peak times as well as reduce the number of accidents in this location. This will not only benefit commuters but people who live in the surrounding residential areas.
“We are also planning to carry out some drainage works to alleviate the risk of flooding as well as undertaking work to provide better routes for pedestrians and cyclists.”
The Lindisfarne and John Reid Road roundabout proposals include:-
- Widening both Lindisfarne and John Reid Road roundabouts and the dual carriageway in between (Leam Lane) from two to three lanes in both directions;
- Local widening of the east bound approach to the Lindisfarne Roundabout and the approach from John Reid Road to the John Reid Road roundabout from two to three lanes.
- Carrying our highway drainage works to reduce the risk of flooding at the Lindisfarne roundabout;
- Closing the Edinburgh Road exit onto Leam Lane to all traffic, except buses. Entry will remain open to all vehicles;
- Introducing new pedestrian and cycle facilities including a new controlled crossing across Leam Lane.
Both roundabouts and Leam Lane will remain open for the vast majority of the works, with two lanes in operation at peak periods, wherever possible.
The Lindisfarne scheme is the first of a wider programme of strategic transport investment projects that are proposed to help reduce congestion, reinforce the economic potential of the A19 corridor and establish a strategic gateway into South Tyneside.
These projects also include the Arches junction (A194/A185) at Tyne Dock in South Shields and the approach to Testos Roundabout (A19/A185).
Galliford Try is the first ranked contractor to be appointed to the Engineering Framework, which will be used to deliver the proposed programme of improvements in the future, the first of which is Lindisfarne.
Bob Gibbon, Managing Director of the Environmental Sector of Galliford Try Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to this framework. It gives us a tremendous opportunity to build on the successful relationship we started with South Tyneside Council when we undertook the multi-award winning Littlehaven coastal defence scheme in 2013/14.
“We have considerable experience of highways-related work elsewhere in the north of England and look forward to bringing it to bear on South Tyneside schemes.”
The project is part-funded by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the North East Growth Deal from Government. The Local Growth Fund is supporting major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area.
For further information about the scheme call the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000, email lindisfarne@southtyneside.gov.uk or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/roadworks where people can view a video showing how the new road layout will improve traffic flows in this area.