A major improvement scheme at two junctions that will pave the way for the expansion of a business park in County Durham is now underway.
Durham County Council has commissioned BAM Nuttall to carry out works to increase capacity at the junction of the A19 and A182 and at the Dalton Park signals near Jade Business Park on the outskirts of Murton.
It said the improvements will support the expansion of the business park, allowing for an additional 500,000 square feet of commercial space, creating up to 2,000 jobs.
The scheme will see the two existing roundabouts at the ‘dumbbell’ junction (pictured) 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.
There will also be improvements to the B1285 junction next to Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination
Preparatory works have already been undertaken and the scheme is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
Elizabeth Scott, the 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 £12.5m cost of the scheme is funded by the Local Growth Fund, Enterprise Zone Fund, Department for Transport, S106 funding and funding from the council.
