The installation of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing on the A690 near West Rainton has been finished three weeks earlier than anticipated.
The new signal-controlled junctions at Pittington Road and West Rainton have been put in place by Durham County Council and are now fully operational. New traffic signals, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist facilities and road resurfacing have been implemented to improve both junctions and the approaches to the A690.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We have carried out these works quickly and effectively to improve the safety of all road users on the A690 and approaches to both junctions. We know this is a main route for motorists, so we would like to thank people for their patience while this work was carried out.
“These works are part of a wider scheme to improve access for drivers and pedestrians using the A690 and the surrounding area. The new measures will provide a significant benefit to traffic and the wider infrastructure.”
The council will return to lay a high-friction, anti-skid road surface on the approaches to the traffic lights. This will be done in five weeks’ time once the current road surface has bedded in, which will allow the new material to bind effectively.
The scheme has been funded through a joint agreement between the council and the developer responsible for new housing along Station Road in West Rainton.
