A major improvement scheme at two junctions that will pave the way for the expansion of a County Durham business park is now underway.
Durham County Council has commissioned works to increase capacity at the A19 / A182 junction and Dalton Park signals, near Jade Business Park on the outskirts of Murton.
The improvements will support the expansion of the business park, allowing for the creation of an additional 500,000 sq ft of commercial space and up to 2,000 jobs. It follows the first phase of development at the site, which opened in 2020 and is now fully occupied.
The scheme will see the two existing roundabouts at either side of the A182 converted to include traffic lights, while the roads will be widened to accommodate more lanes. A new pedestrian and cyclist footbridge will also be introduced across the A19, which currently severs National Cycle Route 1, impeding long and short-distance rides.
Together with improvements to the B1285 junction next to Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination, the works will also help to enhance the journeys of all road users in the area.
Preparatory works have already been undertaken and the scheme is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Since its opening in 2020, Jade Business Park has transformed a former pit and coke works site into a thriving hub for technology, manufacturing and distribution companies. The further expansion of the business park will encourage even more business to locate or expand in County Durham, creating further skilled jobs for our residents and boosting the local economy.
“The works we are carrying out at these junctions will not only allow this to happen, but they will improve traffic flow generally.
“The introduction of the new cycling and pedestrian footbridge, meanwhile, is part of our commitment to encouraging more sustainable forms of travel for both long distance leisure rides along National Cycle Route 1 and in terms of connecting local communities to job opportunities at Jade.”
Although some disruption is inevitable, the council will strive to minimise the impact to businesses and residents, with phased work carried out outside of peak periods where possible.
Pedestrian and cyclist diversions will also be in place during various phases of the work and will be suitably signposted.
To view the programme of works and for information about road diversions, please visit: www.durham.gov.uk/A19/A182.
