A19 closure in County Durham for footbridge works delayed due to high winds

Planned road closures to facilitate a footbridge installation across the A19 in County Durham have been postponed until next weekend due to the wind.

Works are currently ongoing to build a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Cold Hesledon across the A19. The A182 overbridge and A19 were due to be closed overnight this weekend to allow works to take place.

But this has now been delayed, with the A182 overbridge now due to be closed from 8pm on Friday 14 June to 6am on Monday 17 June and the A19 will close in both directions beneath the A182 overbridge from 8pm on Saturday 15 June to 6am on Monday 17 June.

• READ MORE: Three teenagers charged with attempted murder after boy, 15, sustains knife injuries

• Keep up to date with all the latest local news from County Durham with our free newsletter

The works are part of a £13.5m scheme to improve the A19/A182 junction which will pave the way for the expansion of the nearby Jade Business Park near Murton. The Durham County Council scheme will also increase capacity at the junction and at the Dalton Park signals.

The works will also allow for the creation of a further 500,000 square feet of commercial space and up to 2,000 jobs at the business park. The footbridge will also provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safe route across the A19, which currently serves National Cycle Route 1.

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.

Due to the nature of the works, contingency plans are being developed in case of adverse weather conditions, signposted diversions will be in place throughout the closures, with full details here. The scheme is scheduled for completion in spring 2025.