The A19 Testo’s roundabout bridge, which is being built to significantly reduce journey times for drivers is making good progress according to Highways England.
The project has reached an ‘integral milestone’ in the £124.5m upgrade which will see the A19 raised above an existing roundabout at the East Boldon junction, meaning traffic will be able to drive straight through without stopping.
This latest stage of the scheme, which is set to be completed next summer, saw cross sections of the bridge lifted into place over two September weekends, as well as the new steel beams which will be the first horizontal parts of the structure crossing the roundabout.
Highways England project manager Liam Quirk said: “Reaching the integral milestone of placing the steel bridge beams – 99% of which were produced in the UK – is exciting to reach. It’s fantastic that people are now able to see this huge structure taking shape which when ready will reduce journey times for drivers and create safer and more free-flowing journeys.
“Putting the beams into place and completing this critical step of the scheme has been a huge collaborative effort from so many people, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to all involved.”
Drainage and resurfacing work around the roundabout is also scheduled to take place over the coming days.
