Cramlington traffic disruption soon to end

Posted by The Journal on Oct 24, 09 11:30 AM in News

Travel disruptions for motorists on one of the busiest routes through Northumberland will end within days.

From Monday drivers will be able to use the A189 spine road as normal again following the completion of a major improvement scheme.

The work - at the Shankhouse interchange more commonly known as the Three Horse Shoes roundabout - has been completed five weeks ahead of schedule by the county council.

Strengthening the bridge over the A189 was expected to take more than 14 weeks to finish, but an accelerated programme has seen the job completed in just nine.

Monday's reopening of the route will end weeks of diversions and hold-ups for drivers.

Coun Alan Armstrong, the county's executive member for highways and transport, said: "This is a very busy road junction so I'm delighted that we were able to complete what were essential works ahead of schedule. The team has done a tremendous job.''

The complicated project, which required the closure of the roundabout and part of the road, was needed to support the bridge and replace its surface.

It involved the removal of concrete damaged by road salt, which was allowing the steel reinforcement to rust. A modern protection system has been installed.

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