Traffic lights scheme "will cut delays"

Traffic lights are to be installed at the Northlands roundabout in Chester-le-Street in a scheme that will also include the creation of pedestrian crossings.

The junction, which is north of the town centre and links three major routes, is extremely busy, particularly at peak times.

It brings together the A693 to Stanley, the A167 North Road and Newcastle Road, which lead to Tyneside, the B6290 Park Road North and Blind Lane, which leads to the town’s A1(M) interchange.

It is also used by traffic heading east towards Wearside on the A183.

The scheme will see the carriageway widened to provide additional lanes on the approach to the junction from Blind Lane and on the approach and exit from the A167 North Road.

There will also be a new road lay-out on the B690 Park Road North and Newcastle Road.

Durham County Council is giving residents the chance to find out more about the scheme at three drop-in sessions that will be held next week.

Dave Wafer, the council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “This is an extremely busy junction providing a link to the A1(M) and a number of nearby industrial estates.

“The improvement scheme should significantly reduce delays for commuters and improve safety for pedestrians.”

As well as providing a key link for commuters using the A1(M) and travelling to industrial estates to the north and west, it is also on a number of bus routes, including Durham to Newcastle services.

Staff from the council will be on hand during the drop-in events to talk about the scheme and answer people’s questions.

The sessions take place at Durham County Council’s Chester-le-Street office, based in the Civic Centre, Newcastle Road, on Thursday, December 13, 5pm to 8pm, Friday, December 14, 10am to 4pm and Saturday, December 15, 9am to noon.

Work on the scheme, which is being funded through the Local Transport Plan 3 Economic/Transport Corridor and Transit 15 programmes, is due to start next year.