New A19 speed limit aimed at reducing crashes

The limit will start at Norton Interchange southbound

A new speed limit is set to cover part of a major road on Teesside in a bid to reduce crashes.

The temporary 50mph limit will be in place on the north and southbound sides of the A19 Tees Viaduct between Middlesbrough and Stockton.

National Highways said the measure was brought in after a review of incidents on the viaduct in the past year and a half.

Project manager Michael Morgan said the agency would consider whether to make the speed limit permanent, subject to consultation.

"Following a review of incidents on this viaduct over the past 18 months, and discussion with our partners at Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we’ve decided to reduce the speed limit for everyone’s safety," he added.

"This aims to reduce the number of incidents involving vehicles driving at high speeds, as well as protect the bridge from damage as a result of collisions."

The new speed limit will cover the A19 southbound between Norton Interchange and Stockton Road Interchange. Northbound, it will start at Stockton Road Interchange and end just north of Portrack Interchange.

The A19 southbound entry slip road at Portrack Interchange and the A19 northbound exit slip at Portrack Interchange will also be subject to new 50mph speed limits.

A 50mph speed limit has been in place on the A19 southbound between Norton Interchange and Portrack Interchange since July 2020, due to repairs after the bridge at Portrack was hit by a vehicle.