Completion of major roadworks to enable growth in County Durham

Completion of major roadworks to enable growth in County Durham

A major improvement scheme at a busy A19 junction in County Durham is now complete.

Durham County Council has worked alongside contractor Bam to increase capacity at the A19/A182 junction, near Jade Business Park, on the outskirts of Murton.

The junction is now fully operational, with more lanes introduced to accommodate future growth in the area and intelligent traffic signals that automatically optimise timings to respond to the traffic flow.

Pedestrians and cyclists can also make use of the new active travel bridge and controlled crossings over the busy A19 slip roads and B1285, with the route serving National Cycle Network 1.

The bridge recently featured as a finalist in the UK 2025 NCE Awards for Active Travel Project of the Year, which recognises a new build or major refurbishment of a bridge used by pedestrians as part of a cycle route.

Alongside capacity improvements to the B1285 junction next to Dalton Park, the works will help to enhance the journeys of all road users in the area.

They will also support the future expansion of Jade Business Park, allowing for additional commercial development, and support the creation of up to 2,000 jobs. It follows the success of the first phase of development at the site, which opened in 2020 and is now fully occupied.

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “These major improvement works are going to make a huge difference to commuters, residents and visitors in the area.

“Not only will they reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, but they will also boost our local economy. The enhancements will support the expansion of Jade Business Park, which is a key employment site in County Durham, and will help to create further skilled jobs for our residents. They will also improve accessibility at the popular Dalton Park shopping outlet, helping to attract visitors from across the county and beyond.

“Meanwhile, the new active travel bridge will offer local residents a more sustainable form of travel to work or leisure opportunities and help to encourage a more active lifestyle amongst those who live, work in and visit the area.”