Full speed ahead for road junction upgrade at A19
Transport bosses have been given the go-ahead for a junction upgrade which will help it take an increase of traffic on a manufacturing park being built next to Nissan.
Yesterday, the application forth eA 19 Down hill Junction Scheme was given development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.
This will increase the capacity of the junction between the A19 and A1290 Downhill Lane in Sunderland and Boldon, supporting plans for the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) to the north of the Nissan plant.
It will involve the construction of a new bridge to the south of the existing (A1290) bridge across the A19.
Together with the existing bridge, this will form a more traditional round about layout above the A19.
New slip roads will connect the A19 to the south and to the north, link roads will tie into the A19/A184 Testo’s Junction, where work is already under way to create a flyover over the existing roundabout to allow A19 traffic to travel without the need to stop.
Highways England project manager Helen Apps said: “This major junction upgrade will ease congestion, reduce journey times and support plans for an advanced manufacturing park near Sunderland. This is good news for drivers, the local community and the North East economy.
“We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision and look forward to progressing this transformational upgrade.”
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said :“This is the 91 st nationally significant infrastructureproject to have been examined and decided within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
"The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
"Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in a six-month long examination. The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views before making their recommendation.”
The decision is available on the National Infrastructure Planning website.