Plans revealed for new Tees crossing

Aimed at relieving congestion on the busy A19 Tees Viaduct, plans for a new river crossing have gone out to public consultation.

Two options are being considered including a new two-lane bridge parallel to the existing A19 viaduct.

This would carry traffic travelling northbound while the existing viaduct would be widened to allow for an extra lane of southbound traffic.

Known as the Tees Viaduct Capacity Enhancement Option the scheme has been budgeted to cost between £200M and £250M.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority is also looking at alternative plans to construct a larger four-lane bridge parallel to the existing A19 viaduct for both north and southbound traffic.

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

Jonathan Spruce, Interim Strategy Director at Transport for the North, said: “Tees Valley has an important role in supporting connectivity across the North. It’s home to world-class industries, a thriving energy sector and major international ports. By connecting these key economic assets and areas of the North, we can transform connectivity and unleash our true potential.

“Our Strategic Transport Plan, including Northern Powerhouse Rail, will give people more choice over where to live and work, more opportunities, and better connections to family and friends.”