Road closures planned for A19 in County Durham this month as footbridge works begin

Road closures are set to be implemented in County Durham as work to build a new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge across the A19 begins.

Major routes will be closed for a number of days this month and in June as the £13.5m scheme to improve the A19/A182 junction starts. The works 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.

• Read more: New walking and cycling route planned for Durham city after £2.5m grant

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Coun Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s 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.”

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

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

• The A182 overbridge will be closed from 8pm on Saturday May 18 to 6am the following morning, and from 8pm on Sunday May 19 to 6am 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 8pm on Friday June 7 to 6am on Monday June 10.

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

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, sign posted diversions will be in place throughout the closures, with full details here. The scheme is scheduled for completion in spring 2025.