PLANS for a major project designed to reduce noise and cut journey times are going out to public consultation.

People will be asked for their views on Highways England’s £75m-£128m planned project to widen the A19 between Norton and Wynyard to three lanes in both directions.

Under the current proposals, work on the scheme will start in March 2020 and be completed by 2022.

It is hoped the extra space created by the additional lane will ease congestion and delays for the 88,000 journeys on the stretch of road each day.

In a statement, Highways England said people living and working around the A689 Wynyard junction would also benefit thanks to resurfacing to reduce noise.

In September, three events are being held to give members of the public the chance to talk to the project team from Highways England about the plans.

Highways England project manager Keith Bradley said: “Drivers who use this busy route experience congestion and delays, particularly during rush hour, while the existing concrete surface causes a noise issue for residents.

“Our improvements address the unreliable journey times and the noise heard by people living nearby, and allow us to support the Tees Valley economy, ahead of proposed employment and housing developments in the area.

“It’s important for us to hear people’s views, so we look forward to the upcoming public events.”

In recent months Highways England has carried out ecology surveys, drainage inspections and flood risk assessments in preparation for the start of work next March.

The public events take place on:

  • Tuesday, September 3 from 1pm to 7pm at Wolviston Court Community Centre, Clifton Avenue, Stockton
  • Thursday, September 5 from 7.30am to 6.30pm at OK Diner, Ron Perry Services on the A19 southbound, Elwick, Hartlepool
  • Sunday, September 8 from 10am to 4pm at Norton Co-op car park, High Street, Norton, Stockton