Member Article

South Tyneside Council to improve strategic transport links

South Tyneside Council is pressing ahead with major infrastructure schemes across the Borough.

The Council is progressing with several road improvement projects that will support its vision for a Strategic Western Gateway linking the A19 corridor into South Tyneside.

Members will be given an update on the proposed schemes at a meeting of full Council next Thursday.

The plans, including a flyover at notorious bottleneck Testo’s roundabout, underpin the council’s determination to maximise investment, growth and jobs in the area.

The Testo’s improvements, being coordinated by the Highways Agency, are classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning a development consent order needs to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport.

The Highways Agency is currently evaluating responses following public consultation on the scheme, which took place in October and November.

The plans link in with the Council’s proposed improvements at Lindisfarne roundabout, the Arches junction on the A185, the southern portal of the Tyne Tunnel and the approach to Testo’s.

The strategic transport investment report will be presented at a meeting of full council on Wednesday December 4.

Lead Member for Housing and Transport, Councillor Allan West, said: “Improving strategic transport links is a key part of our vision. It’s vital that we have the right infrastructure in place to be able to support sustainable growth.

“The A19 is the lifeblood of manufacturing and industry in the North East and is crucial for linking local businesses to their regional, national and international counterparts.

“Helping traffic move efficiently along the A19 corridor is key to boosting our economy.

“We know that the development of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park is going to create additional pressure which is why we are planning for the future and acting now.”

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