New footbridge works to start as part of major road improvement scheme in County Durham

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New footbridge works to start as part of major road improvement scheme in County Durham

Published May 02, 2024 10.48am

The footbridge is part of a £13.5 million scheme to improve the A19 / A182 junction, paving the way for the expansion of the nearby Jade Business Park near Murton.

The council scheme will increase capacity at the junction and at Dalton Park signals.

These works will not only enhance the journeys of all road users in the area but will allow for the creation of a further 500,000 sq ft of commercial space and up to 2,000 jobs at the business park.

In addition to this, the footbridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safe route across the A19, which currently severs National Cycle Route 1.

Promoting sustainable growth and travel

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "It's fantastic to see this scheme progressing, with work to deliver a major element of the project due to start in just a few weeks.

"The introduction of a footbridge at this location will help to encourage sustainable forms of travel, both in terms of long-distance leisure rides along National Cycle Route 1 and by providing environmentally friendly and affordable ways for local residents to commute to Jade Business Park.

"Together with the wider scheme, these works will enable a key employment site in our county to grow in a sustainable way and deliver more jobs and opportunities."

Road closure information

Preparatory works for the footbridge are planned to get underway on Saturday 18 May, with the following closures in place:

• The A19 will be closed in both directions overnight beneath the A182 overbridge from 8:00pm on Saturday 18 May to 6:00am the following morning, and from 8:00pm on Sunday 19 May to 6:00am the following morning.
• The A182 overbridge will be closed from 8:00pm on Saturday 18 May to 6:00am the following morning, and from 8:00pm on Sunday 19 May to 6:00am the following morning.

Further closures are planned for June to allow the new footbridge to be installed, namely:

• The A182 overbridge will be closed from 8:00pm on Friday 7 June to 6:00am on Monday 10 June.
• The A19 will close in both directions beneath the A182 overbridge from 8:00pm on Saturday 8 June to 6:00am on Monday 10 June.

Due to the nature of the works, contingency plans are being developed in case of adverse weather conditions.

More improvements

As well as the construction of the footbridge, the scheme will see the two existing roundabouts at either side of the A182 removed and replaced with traffic light controlled junctions, while the roads will be widened to accommodate more lanes. Improvements will also be made to the B1285 junction next to Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination.

The scheme is scheduled for completion in spring 2025.