A19 Testo's and A19 Downhill Lane improvement schemes

Progress so far

Engineers have continued to work tirelessly since using a 1,000 tonne mobile crane to lift the bridge beams into position in the summer, which offered a fascinating first glimpse of the 1,393-tonne structure. The major scheme to improve congestion and reduce journey times for drivers is due to be completed next summer.

Concrete pouring is now taking place on the bridge deck which will allow the road to be built over the top of the structure, and over the winter months the earth embankments will be left to settle before the laying the surfaces of the new A19.

What’s next?

We are adjusting the contraflow so that it’s moved further south to create more room for the work that’s started at Downhill Lane, and I want to thank people for their patience while we carry out the work.”

The changes to the contraflow at Downhill Lane will extend the working area by 1.5 miles and allow for the Testo’s and Downhill Lane projects to be delivered as one scheme, which reduces delays and the impact on drivers. Work at Downhill Lane started six months ahead of schedule, allowing for joint working with Testo’s which is less than one mile away.

The Downhill Lane improvement will create extra capacity on the junction between the A19 and the A1290 in Sunderland, helping boost the regional economy and plans for the development of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP). New link roads will be created between Downhill Lane and Testo’s, boosting journey times and providing new facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

We’d like to remind everyone that Downhill Lane is closed for safety reasons and it’s no longer possible to use this as a route from West Boldon onto the A19, A1290 or Washington Road. This applies to cyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists. Worryingly, we have seen a number of cyclists cross the cone line to access Downhill Lane. This puts both them and our workforce at risk of injury. We want everyone to get home safe and well so please do stay out of work areas and closed sections of road.

For more information about the schemes please visit:

https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/a19-downhill-lane-junction-improvement/

https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/a19-testo-s-junction/