South Tyneside Council is reminding motorists and residents that a major highways improvement project will get underway next week.
Works are due to start on the £7.5 million scheme, which includes the Lindisfarne and John Reid roundabouts and Leam Lane (A194).
Leading construction company Galliford Try Infrastructure Limited is delivering the project, which aims to reduce accidents, ease congestion and improve traffic flows for motorists entering and leaving the Borough at this key junction.
Work will get underway on Monday, starting with site set-up and preparation. The actual roadworks will begin on July 18.
The scheme will involve widening both Lindisfarne and John Reid roundabouts and most of the dual carriageway in between from two to three lanes in both directions. It will also include flood alleviation works.
The roundabouts and Leam Lane will remain open for the duration of the works, with two lanes in operation during peak periods.
Councillor Allan West, Lead Member for Housing and Transport at South Tyneside Council, said: “Good transport networks are key to boosting the Borough’s economy and maximising employment and investment opportunities.
“Lindisfarne is a main gateway for people coming in and out of South Tyneside and for connecting people to the A19, so reducing congestion in this area is a priority for the council.
“Not only will these works cut journey times, especially during rush hours, but it will improve road safety at this location, benefiting both commuters and people who live locally.
“We are also planning to carry out some drainage works to alleviate the risk of flooding as well as to provide better routes for pedestrians and cyclists.”
He added: “Disruption will be kept to a minimum and two lanes will remain open at peak times. However outside these hours it is advisable to allow a little extra time for your journey or find an alternative route.”
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 has undertaken a number of projects in the region, including the award winning Littlehaven Promenade and Seawall at South Shields.
Business Development Manager Gino Salvatore said: “As part of our commitment to achieving the highest possible standards of operational excellence, we will be monitoring every stage of the project to ensure that our work does not cause undue disturbance, inconvenience or stress.
“During the work we will endeavour to keep road users and residents informed of progress on a regular basis and provide prior notice of any scheduled work that may affect them.”
The project received £6.1m from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) 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.
The Lindisfarne and John Reid Road roundabout works, which are scheduled to last around 12 months, 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 out 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.
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.