Plans for new Tees crossing revealed to aid local A19 route

Today (March 13), a public consultation has been launched on proposals for a new Tees crossing.

This is said to take pressure off the existing A19 Tees Viaduct.

At an event at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium Cllr Stephen Harker, Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Transport, outlined the plans which involve two options, the likely - and preferred - £200m to £250m Tees Viaduct Capacity Enhancement Option and the £300m Tees Viaduct Option.

The first would see a new two-lane bridge built parallel to the existing A19 viaduct to carry traffic travelling northbound and the existing structure widened to allow for an extra lane of southbound traffic.

The alternative solution would be to construct a new four-lane bridge parallel to the existing A19 viaduct for north and southbound traffic.

Cllr Harker said: “To achieve our aims of economic growth and job creation, we need a high-quality, quick, affordable, reliable, integrated and safe transport system that works for residents and businesses.

“Transformational improvements to the road network are critical and this consultation outlines proposals for a New Tees Crossing that will alleviate the existing frustrating congestion issues on the Tees Viaduct, which carries the A19 Trunk Road.

“This is a major priority for the Combined Authority, but it’s vitally important that the public has their say in the future of their transport network.

“I’d urge everyone in the Tees Valley to look at our plans, visit our consultation events and fill in our online questionnaires to make sure their voices are heard.”

The preferred route will be announced in autumn and following confirmation of funding from Highways England, construction is set to take place from 2023 to 2027.

The consultation was launched by Cllr Harker, joined by project director Andy Johnson, on the same day as Transport for the North brought its roadshow highlighting its Strategic Transport Plan to Tees Valley.

The plan is the blueprint for how transport will play a defining role in rebalancing the national economy, improving peoples’ quality of life, and enabling towns and cities across the North to thrive.