LARGE-SCALE improvement works at the A171 Swan's Corner Roundabout in the Nunthorpe area are due to start on Monday 14 March.
The improvements are designed to accommodate future traffic growth as well as improve existing journey times and involves removing the existing roundabout and replacing it with a lozenge-shaped island as well as widening approach roads. Pedestrian crossing facilities will be installed on both Ormesby Bank and the A1043 Nunthorpe Bypass.
More measures are being put in place to ensure traffic continues to flow safely although motorists are being asked for patience as works continue until autumn.
Guisborough Road will be closed from Monday 21 March from Gypsy Lane to Swans Corner for the duration of the scheme. A signed diversion route will be in operation directing all road users along the A1043 Nunthorpe Bypass and onto the A172 Dixons Bank then accessing Guisborough Road from the Middlesbrough end.
Other Traffic flow and safety measures include keeping approach lanes from Ormesby Bank, Middlesbrough Road and the A1043 Nunthorpe Bypass open during peak times and operating lane closures under temporary three-way lights during off-peak hours only. Work will take place in several stages to reduce traffic pressure in the coming months. Neighbours and surrounding businesses will start receiving letters from today, Wednesday 2 March and additional signage as well as a signed diversion route will be provided.
Also, parents and guardians of children at the nearby Nunthorpe Academy and Nunthorpe Primary schools are being requested if possible to make alternative arrangements to dropping children off and collecting without entering the closed section of Guisborough Road. However, if necessary, the closed section of Guisborough road may still be accessed to drop children off outside of the schools - although parents should immediately use the temporary turning circle at Nunthorpe Academy to exit the closed area. This will help reduce the chance of the road becoming blocked with traffic and maintain access for any emergency vehicles. Children and parents approaching from Guisborough/Ormesby Bank side using public transport should be aware the bus stops will still be in use or temporary bus stops will be provided. Safe pedestrian access to Guisborough Road will be maintained throughout.
There has already been disruption for motorists due to essential preliminary work by Northumbrian Water which will continue.
Work will be carried out by North East firm Esh Construction on behalf of the council.
Councillor Julie Craig, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We know there will be disruption for motorists and everything possible is being done to keep traffic moving. However, we know the vast majority of motorists will understand that ensuring safety for pedestrians, motorists and construction workers must always be the priority. This improvement will provide a very significant long-term gain for motorists and pedestrians alike for many years to come. We ask for patience as this major improvement on one of our key roads takes place."
Alan Croft Contracts Manager from Esh Construction said:
“The programme of works has been planned within phases to reduce disruption as much as possible, this includes maintaining pedestrian access throughout the works. Working in partnership with the council, we will endeavour to keep the local community and road users up to date throughout the scheme."
Headteacher at Nunthorpe Primary Alexa O'Gara said:
“We are working with parents as much as possible to support and prevent disruption to school attendance. In the first instance we have extended the opening hours of our Breakfast Club to start at 7:30am, enabling parents more time to get to work."
Head of School at Nunthorpe Academy Kate Kell added that the school is working closely with everyone involved in the improvement works and a letter will be place on the academy website with details for parents and carers. The school's breakfast club is open from 8am every morning.
Funding has been provided by the Department for Transport with a contribution from the authority.
More details will continue to be made available in the weeks and months ahead on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk