Gosforth eFocus 39 - Sandy Lane road plans

This update is a revised and edited version of an article that appears in today's Evening Chronicle, with comments/information in brackets based on the briefing received and questions that Cllrs Pauline Allen and Robin Ashby asked North Tyneside traffic engineers yesterday on behalf of north Newcastle Councillors.

A multimillion pound road revamp has been announced in a bid to cut journey times in Tyneside.

The £4.8m project to upgrade junctions along the A1056 at Sandy Lane, in North Tyneside, is due to start later this year. [it will be staggered with 3 elements lasting up to 2018]

It follows a successful funding bid to the North East Local Enterprise Partnership for the North East Local Growth Deal. [Economic growth is a major justification for the schemes. Some contributions will also be made by housebuilders in return for planning permission, especially Bellway.]

The scheme aims to reduce congestion, improve journey times, enhance access to Sandy Lane Industrial Estate and support the growth of Indigo Business Park.

The proposals include the installation of signals at the Sandy Lane Industrial Estate junction and widening Sandy Lane to make more room for turning traffic.

In addition, the A1056 Sandy Lane/B1318 Great North Road roundabout will be replaced with a T-junction, and two northbound lanes will be created on the A1056 Great North Road between Rotary Way and the B1318 Great North Road. [And onwards to the weighbridge on Sandy Lane.This element of the work won't start until 2017/18. The lanes will be narrower than at present, permitted because of the 40 mph speed limit. Can't be two lanes all the way because the cost of moving water mains can't be afforded]

[North Tyneside] council says the A1056 Weetslade corridor already experiences significant congestion and queuing delays which would increase with the expected increase in traffic volume. [Up to 37% as a result of new housing and new commercial development. The garden centre access/exit at Weetslade roundabout aka Great Lime Road will be stopped up, replaced by a new access point to the south on the A189]

Almost 1,500 vehicles per hour use the eastbound section of Sandy Lane during morning rush hour but by 2030, this is could increase to almost 2,000 vehicles per hour. [Westbound figures are 1200 and 1500]

Following the improvements journey times could be cut by six minutes. [Particularly westbound, where there will be one lane which passes through the B1318 intersection without traffic lights or roundabouts, even with the proposed 40 mph speed limit]

Work to improve access to Sandy Lane Industrial Estate is expected to start in autumn. Other work is planned for 2016 to 2018. [There's not enough industry capacity to do all the desired schemes on Tyneside at the same time.]

The council has said the majority of the work will take place during off-peak hours.

[Extensive provision will also be made for cycles, particularly to access Indigo Park

Later this month, members of the public will be able to find out more about the roadworks, as well as sharing their views, at two drop-in events at the John Willie Sams Centre, on Market Street, in Dudley, on August 20, from noon to 8pm, and August 21, from 10am to 6.30pm.

For more information on the project, ring 0191 643 4804 or email mark.irving3@capita.co.uk

It is also hoped that a traffic engineer will attend the Parklands Ward Committee at 7pm on Thursday 3rd September at the Northern Rugby Club to explain and answer questions.