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Major road scheme launches ahead of schedule

1st December 2009

Type: News

Categories: Love Middlesbrough News

A major new road system to improve access to a key part of Middlesbrough has launched.

The final phase of the North Middlesbrough Accessibility Scheme opened to traffic on Wednesday 25 and was formally launched by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.

The £15.4m scheme, which improves traffic flow in the area and provides a much-needed boost for businesses on the Riverside Industrial Estate, has been completed 18 weeks ahead of schedule.

The opening of the new bridge across the Bishop Auckland to Saltburn railway line, together with the major improvements along the A66 and at Newport Roundabout, ensure that Middlesbrough’s road network is fit for the 21st Century.

The original scheme, providing improvements at Hartington Interchange, received conditional approval from central Government in December, 2002.

The contract was awarded at the end of 2006, with a more cost-effective solution developed around the Newport Roundabout with a new link road from Newport to Riverside Park Road. This had the benefit of leaving the scope for further future improvements at Hartington in the coming years.

The contractor for the overall scheme is Balfour Beatty with design work by Halcrow and White Young Green managing the project on behalf of Middlesbrough Council.

Final government approval for the scheme was granted in June, 2008 and Middlesbrough Council also made a successful bid for a further £3.15m to undertake major maintenance of the A66.

Bridge Opening with Mayor Ray Mallon

Key points of the North Middlesbrough Accessibility Scheme

Increased capacity on the A66, with the creation of an extra lane in each direction between the A19 junction and Newport Roundabout
Increased capacity at Newport Roundabout and the installation of traffic lights on the major approaches to improve safety
New access from Newport Roundabout into North Middlesbrough via a new £1.7m bridge over the railway. Two pairs of beams each weighing 180 tonnes were swung into place last February.
The creation of a new 2km link road being called Ironmasters Way, reflecting the industrial heritage of the area. Much of the new link road is on an embankment formed from 60,000 tonnes of pulverised fuel ash. Recycling that material meant a 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions saving over bringing in clay.

Additional Works on the A66 (£3.14m)

New concrete safety barrier
Replacement noise attenuation
High mast lighting

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see this major civil engineering project come in well ahead of schedule and well within budget.

“The various elements of the North Middlesbrough Accessibility Scheme will play an important role in Middlesbrough’s on-going regeneration and the benefits will be felt for many years to come.

“The vastly improved road network means far better access to the town and reduced pressure on the Hartington road interchange, and that is great news for local businesses and residents.

“The efforts of all those involved - contractors, engineers and staff – have ensured Middlesbrough now has the sort of first class transport links which are crucial to its ongoing regeneration.

“Thanks are also due to local residents and motorists for the patience they have shown during the inevitable disruptions caused by the construction works.”

Phil Morgan, Regional Director of Newcastle-based contractors Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, said: “Bringing the whole team together as early as possible in the development of the scheme allowed us to assess options and arrive at the most appropriate solution for North Middlesbrough.

“The team would like to thank the people of Middlesbrough, local businesses and commuters.

“Their co-operation during the works has helped to deliver the scheme ahead of schedule and within budget.”

For further information and full details of the North Middlesbrough Accessibility Scheme, visit www.northmiddlesbroughaccessibility.com