Work to install traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing on a junction that was previously branded as "dangerous carnage" after a fatal crash has been completed three weeks ahead of schedule.

The new signal-controlled junctions at Pittington Road and West Rainton have been put in place by Durham County Council and are now fully operational.

Previously, people living near the A690 turn-off branded the junction as “dangerous” after multiple crashes at the location.

Now, new traffic signals, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist facilities and road resurfacing have been implemented to improve both junctions and the approaches to the A690.

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Alan Lowery lives opposite the junction, which he earlier this year said gave him the “perfect location” for the “daily carnage” at the crossing point.

For ten years, Alan has been campaigning to have action taken to make the junction more safe. 

Alan said: "Firstly, I would like to praise Durham County Council on a job well done - the work was carried out professionally, efficiently and well ahead of the scheduled completion date. 

"Having used the new crossing many times over the past couple of weeks, I have been very impressed. There is very little traffic buildup and it seems to flow well. 

"Although this work was well overdue, I am sure that now it is complete it will greatly reduce the chances of further accidents in the future. 

"In addition, it may contribute to providing some small comfort to the bereaved families and needless victims of this junction. 

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We have carried out these works quickly and effectively to improve the safety of all road users on the A690 and approaches to both junctions. We know this is a main route for motorists, so we would like to thank people for their patience while this work was carried out.

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“These works are part of a wider scheme to improve access for drivers and pedestrians using the A690 and the surrounding area. The new measures will provide a significant benefit to traffic and the wider infrastructure.”

The council will return to lay a high-friction, anti-skid road surface on the approaches to the traffic lights. This will be done in four weeks’ time once the current road surface has bedded in, which will allow the new material to bind effectively.

The scheme has been funded through a joint agreement between the council and the developer responsible for new housing along Station Road in West Rainton.