A major County Durham road will undergo at least 11 months of roadworks and improvements after a transport scheme was announced. 

The major scheme at two junctions will pave the way for the expansion of a County Durham business park.

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 Northern Echo: What the A19/A182 will look like once completeWhat the A19/A182 will look like once complete (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The improvements will support the expansion of the business park, creating 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 on 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, according to the county council.

The Northern Echo: The pedestrian and cycleway improvements and how they will look once completeThe pedestrian and cycleway improvements and how they will look once complete (Image: Durham County Council)

Preparatory works have already been undertaken and the scheme is scheduled for completion in early 2025 - meaning that the roadworks are set to be in place for at least 11 months minimum.

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 businesses to locate or expand in County Durham, creating further skilled jobs for our residents and boosting the local economy."

She added: “The works we are carrying out at these junctions will not only allow this to happen, but they will improve traffic flow generally.

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“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.”

During the works, pedestrian and cyclist diversions will also be in place during various phases of the work and will be suitably signposted.

The council have said, "Although some disruption is inevitable, the council will strive to minimise the impact on businesses and residents, with phased work carried out outside of peak periods where possible."