Delays expected as work begins on busy routes
DRIVERS are being warned to expect disruption due to roadworks starting on two main routes in North Tyneside just as schools prepare to reopen after lockdown.
The work is taking place on the A1058 Coast Road for up to three weeks and on Whitley Road in Benton for up to 10 weeks.
Both these routes are used by thousands of drivers every day to travel between the North Tyneside coast and Newcastle.
The timing of the projects, which start this week, has been criticised as schools are due to reopen to pupils from Monday as part of Boris Johnson’s plan to ease lockdown restrictions.
The Coast Road work is being carried out by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and the Whitley Road, Benton, job is being done by contractors for Persimmon.
On Thursday, Persimmon contractors started their work on new road surfacing and they will be working on Whitley Road to extend the footpath / cycleway from Station Road. Off peak (9.30am to 3pm) signals will be in place for up to 10 weeks.
Meanwhile, NGN will be on the Coast Road near the BP petrol station at Battle Hill, in Wallsend, from 8pm on Friday, March 5. The speed limit on that part of the road will go down to 30mph.
The gas distributor says it is carrying out essential upgrades to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply in the area.
The ageing main has undergone several recent emergency repairs and has now been prioritised for urgent replacement.
Traffic management arrangements, including lane closures in both directions, will be put in place on Friday from 8pm, ready for work starting the next day, March 6. The work is expected to last for around three weeks.
Due to the national lockdown, NGN says it is prioritising work in line with Government guidance, carrying out critical services including responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance as well as planned work to replace ageing metal gas mains which need to be carried out urgently.
It will be necessary to close the inside lanes on both the eastbound and the westbound sides of Coast Road for the full duration of the project.
Speed limits will be dropped to 30mph and drivers are advised to allow extra travel time.
Richie Manuel, NGN business operations lead, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Newcastle.
“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current coronavirus outbreak in England. We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”