Plan for new traffic light junctions on A690 between Sunderland and Durham

The work is scheduled to begin in the spring and “expected to be complete with the junctions reopened in the summer 2023”, although no precise dates have yet been announced.

Durham County Council is to carry out works which will see traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing installed at the West Rainton and Pittington Lane junctions of the dual carriageway.

A developer has submitted an application to build a residential development along Station Road in West Rainton. The council has been working on the traffic scheme for over 12 months with the developer.

As part of the planning conditions for this, the developer was required to fund traffic lights at the West Rainton A690 junction to support the infrastructure of the new estate.

The council then decided to build on these works and deliver a wider traffic scheme, including new signals at the nearby junction for Pittington Lane.

Over the past year, the council has been working with the developer to finalise the legal agreements required for the installation of these traffic lights, which was officially confirmed in December 2022.

The council is now preparing a schedule for the works, which are “estimated to start in late spring 2023”.

Cllr John Shuttleworth is Durham County Council’s cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety.

He said: “For the last 12 months we have been working to develop a wider traffic scheme in this area of the A690 in conjunction with the approved development on Station Road.

“This work will see traffic lights installed at two main junctions, and a dedicated pedestrian crossing created, which will support the infrastructure and traffic management of the residential development and wider area.

“The final details have now been agreed and we are currently working on a schedule which will ensure the works are carried out quickly and with minimum disruption to residents and road users.”

The A690 will remain open while the works are being carried out, however sections or lanes of the carriageway will be closed as needed. Where necessary, diversions will be in place and clearly signposted.