Drivers face disruption over A19 junction works

Drivers face months of "inevitable" disruption as major work gets under way to upgrade part of the A19 in County Durham.

The roadworks are being carried out at the junction with the A182 and Dalton Park signals, to allow for the expansion of a nearby business park.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place and lanes will be closed while the work is carried out.

Durham County Council said the expansion of the business park would encourage more businesses to open in the area.

The work is being carried out near Jade Business Park on the outskirts of Murton.

Roadworks have been scheduled on the A19 and A182 until April.

But the council said further phases of work have been proposed until the project is completed in spring 2025.

The two existing roundabouts at either side of the A182 will be changed to traffic lights, while the road will be widened to include more lanes.

A new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge will also be built across the A19.

The improvements will allow Jade Business Park to expand by 50,000 sq ft and has the potential to accommodate 2,000 jobs, the council said.

Liberal Democrat councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Since its opening in 2020, Jade Business Park has transformed a former pit and coke works site into a thriving hub for technology, manufacturing and distribution companies.

"The further expansion of the business park will encourage even more business to locate or expand in County Durham, creating further skilled jobs for our residents and boosting the local economy.

“The works we are carrying out at these junctions will not only allow this to happen, but they will improve traffic flow generally."

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