Major junction roadworks completed

The A19/A182 junction in County Durham is now in operation

After 18 months of lane closures and temporary traffic measures, major roadworks at a busy junction have finished.

Works were carried out on the A19/A182 junction near Jade Business Park on the outskirts of Murton in County Durham.

The junction is now fully operational with more lanes, "intelligent" traffic signals which respond to traffic flow and a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Durham County Council cabinet member for economy and partnerships Lyndsey Fox said the "improvement works are going to make a huge difference to commuters, residents and visitors in the area".

Work, which was to allow for the expansion of the Jade Business Park, started in February 2024.

Roundabouts were replaced with traffic light junctions, while the new footbridge spanning the A19 reconnected National Cycle Route 1.

The improvements would allow Jade Business Park to expand with more businesses supporting the creation of up to 2,000 jobs, the council said.

Capacity was also increased on the B1285 junction next to Dalton Park shopping centre to help improve accessibility, the local authority said.

The council previously said the £13.5m scheme was funded by the Local Growth Fund, Enterprise Zone Fund, Department for Transport, S106 funding and the local authority.