Drivers told to avoid A690 junction as temporary lights are drafted in after crash

Drivers have been told to find an alternative route to avoid a busy junction while repairs are carried out to lights knocked out in a collision.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 3rd Jan 2020, 12:19 BST
Updated 3rd Jan 2020, 14:01 BST
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Motorists using the A690 Carville and Belmont junction in Durham are advised filter lane closures and ‘no right turns’ are in place.

The restrictions follow a crash which caused substantial damage to the traffic light control equipment at the junction, with, temporary lights since introduced.

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Photos from the aftermath of the collision, which happened on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, show a vehicle caught light in the incident.

Photos from Durham County Council show the damage left by the collision, as well as the signs put in place to help direct drivers while preparations go on for the repair work.Photos from Durham County Council show the damage left by the collision, as well as the signs put in place to help direct drivers while preparations go on for the repair work.
Photos from Durham County Council show the damage left by the collision, as well as the signs put in place to help direct drivers while preparations go on for the repair work.

To keep people safe while the temporary lights are in place, the filter lanes to turn right off the A690 at the junction are closed in both directions, while signs advise drivers they cannot turn right.

Those wishing to turn right towards Carrville from the A690 eastbound will have to follow a diversion via Houghton or head into Durham past Belmont Business Park and then use Broomside Lane.

People wishing to access Belmont Park and Ride from the A690 westbound can follow the diversion around the nearby A1(M) roundabout.

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The lights will be controlled manually at busy times to keep traffic moving.

The restrictions are expected to be in place until Friday, January 10, when new control equipment is due to be installed.

Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said motorists are asked to keep to the restriction and not take unnecessary risks and thanked people for their patience and understanding.

He added: “We would advise drivers who would normally travel through this junction to find an alternative route if possible and if it is not, to allow extra time for their journey.

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“As the controller which operates each set of lights is slightly different it’s not simply a case of providing an off the shelf replacement, especially for some of the older installations such as this.”

Motorists approaching the junction from Carrville will still be able to head east and west on the A690 and straight on, to the park and ride.

Traffic exiting the park and ride can travel in all directions.

Related topics:DriversMotoristsDurham