O que está acontecendo?

What is happening?

We are proposing to improve the A19 by constructing a flyover to take the A19 over the Testos junction. Entry and exit slip roads will connect the A19 to the new roundabout, requiring a slightly larger roundabout than is currently in place.

Under the Highways Agency’s current preferred option for the improvement the A19 carriageway will move slightly to the west and will be raised above ground on an embankment. This will carry it over the roundabout via two bridges. Traffic to and from the north at Downhill Lane Junction willbe linked via new parallel connector roads to the new south facing slip roads at Testos Junction.

When and where is this happening?

The Testos junction connects the A19 and the A184, south of Newcastle. It is of both local and regional importance providing links between Tyneside, Wearside, East Durham and Teeside. The A19 is a strategic route that provides an alternative to the A1 between North Yorkshire and North Tyneside.

The Spending Review announcement in October 2010 listed the A19 Testos Junction Improvements Scheme for potential construction post 2015. For more information visit our Future Spending Review page.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

In 2001 traffic signals were installed at the junction, which reduced congestion and improved safety. The current junction handles 80,000 vehicles per day and is often congested especially during rush hour periods. Expected growth in traffic means that the roundabout will become a bottleneck, resulting in longer delays and more severe congestion, increasing driver frustration.

How will the scheme be carried out?

This scheme has not been approved to move forward to construction so we do not yet have information about how this scheme would be carried out.

What are the benefits?

The objectives of the scheme are to:

Improve road safety at the junction

Relieve congestion associated with the roundabout

Minimise the environmental impact of the proposals and mitigate them where possible.

How do I find out more information ?

More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk or calling 0300 123 5000.