Have your say on major A19 junction scheme

Highways England plans to upgrade the A19 at the Downhill Lane junction, a move it says will provide additional capacity and improve journey times and safety while supporting economic growth in the region.

The proposals include plans to build a new bridge to the south of the existing bridge to create a raised roundabout above the A19 and construction of new slip roads connecting to the A19 and Testos junction.

Two events will be held offering members of the public the opportunity to find out more.

The first will be held this Friday, December 2, from 12pm until 6pm at the Bunny Hill Lirary in Hylton Lane, and the second from 10am to 2pm on on Saturday at the Quadrus Centre on Boldon Business ParkF.

Highways England project manager Paul Ahdal said: "We would really like people to come along to these public consultation events which are being held to give local people the opportunity to find out more and have their say.

"This is an exciting scheme and we look forward to people coming along to find out more about the proposals and give us feedback."

Highways England is planning to carry out the work at Downhill Lane at the same time as the Testo's roundabout improvement scheme to minimise disruption to motorists.

The plan involved two phased applications for development consent, with more information on Testos released in in early 2017 ahead of an application for planning permission later in the eyar.

For more information on the Downhill Lane project, visit the scheme website or e mail [email protected]

Further consultations are also being held about plans to upgrade the A1 in Northumberland scheme.

Consultation began on Friday 18 November and people have the chance to comment on the updated plans which include upgrading a 13 mile section of the A1, creating a dual carriageway on the entire stretch of the route between Newcastle and Ellingham.

The existing single carriageway sections will have extra lanes added between Morpeth and Felton and between Alnwick and Ellingham. Junction upgrades, overtaking lanes and improvements to pedestrian crossings north of Ellingham are also being looked at.

Further details of the consultation events can be viewed at www.roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/the-a1-in-northumberland/