Alongside design partner Atkins, Balfour Beatty has announced the completion of the National Highways’ A19 major upgrade project, four months ahead of schedule
Approximately £65m has been invested into constructing 198,770 square metres of new road between Norton and Wynyard junctions, increasing capacity from two to three lanes, and reducing traffic noise in the process.
The upgrade of the new dual carriageway was originally scheduled for completion in Spring 2022 and will ensure quicker and more reliable travel for road users in the Northeast of England.
The new upgrade will also support wider economic regeneration through the creation of numerous employment opportunities in the Tees Valley region, with 60% of the project’s overall workforce local to the scheme.
Balfour Beatty also hosted an event at Holme House Prison to provide a group of select learners with construction career training and interview guidance, further building on the numerous community initiatives held in Teesside since March 2020.
‘Transforming travel in the Northeast’
Phil Clifton, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Highways, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the long-awaited A19 dual carriageway, which will transform travel in the North-East through increased capacity and reduced journey times.
“Through leveraging our expert capabilities and by maximizing our social value outputs, we have provided communities across the Tees Valley region with a legacy – one which will continue to thrive for years to come.”
‘Making journeys safer, smoother, and more reliable’
National Highways chief executive Nick Harris also commented: “We pride ourselves on managing and improving England’s motorways and major A roads to make journeys safer, smoother, and more reliable, as we deliver the Government’s strategic roads investment programme.
“I’m delighted to see the completion of the A19 Norton to Wynyard work earlier than planned so drivers can experience the benefits. The A19 is an extremely important route and these improvements will provide better, safer journeys and connections for our road users.”
