Work to begin on Whitley Bay junction

Press release: An abstract view of the Council crest

Improvements to a busy junction in Whitley Bay get underway next week.

The roundabout by the Red Lion pub on Earsdon Road is to feature a number of changes for the benefit of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

These include:

  • Changing the lane priorities on the approaches to the roundabout from Earsdon Road to enable a right turn from both lanes for eastbound traffic and a left turn from both lanes for westbound traffic. This will reduce congestion during peak periods.
  • Widening the pavement at the northern side of the roundabout near to the pub and undertaking minor alterations to the footway link  to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road at this location.
  • Installing improved and additional signage and erecting new safety barriers at the northern side of the roundabout.

The delivery of the scheme will be managed on behalf of North Tyneside Council by its partner Capita. Work will be carried out at off-peak periods to minimise disruption for road users. It is due to begin on Monday, March 14 and last around two weeks.

Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member for Housing and Transport, said: “The council and its partners are making a big investment in North Tyneside’s road network.

“We want to make it easier to travel within the borough as well as improve road safety.

“Some major highway improvements schemes are already underway such as  on the Coast Road.

“But there are also other schemes such as this, which although smaller, support our efforts to ensure this is a thriving and prosperous borough as well as a great place to live.”

The scheme is being funded by the Local Transport Road Safety Budget with a contribution from Taylor Wimpey who developed the nearby West Park housing development. Earsdon Road is a primary link road and used by over 21,000 vehicles each day.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Capita Local Government, part of Capita plc, is dedicated to delivering outsourcing and professional services to the local government market and responsible for operating all of Capita's major local government and education partnerships. Employing over 8,000 people, Capita Local Government delivers a wide range of specialist services, including customer management, property development and regulatory services, educational transformation and support services and back office processing. Capita Local Government can also draw on specialist capabilities, such as ICT, HR and payroll from across the wider Capita group, to ensure the very best market knowledge and outcomes are achieved for customers.

In November 2012 the company entered into a partnership with North Tyneside Council to deliver a range of technical services: engineering; property; planning; building control and public protection.