'Speed tables' and 'super gullies' - new scheme to tackle flooding and speeding on Lizard Lane in Whitburn

A drive to tackle speeding and reduce flood risks on a key link route is set to launch next week.
Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.
Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.

South Tyneside Council is primed to start improvement works on Lizard Lane to help future-proof the road and fix long-standing issues.

The route, which connects the Whitburn and Marsden areas, has been the site of several serious road accidents and is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, particularly on the stretch near Whitburn Golf Club.

Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.
Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.
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Due to drivers’ ‘lack of compliance’ with existing traffic calming measures, highways chiefs are also planning new safeguards around the current 20mph section.

The works programme was outlined to the council’s East Shields and Whitburn Community Area Forum (CAF) on Thursday, February 11, and includes:

:: The installation of three ‘full-width speed tables’ to reduce speeds and provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians and equestrians.

:: Replacing current speed cushions with more effective alternatives and localised improvements to the bridleway.

Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.
Flooding on Lizard Lane, Whitburn, in recent years. There are now plans to tackle the problem.
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:: A new system for storing and diverting surface water and ‘super gullies’ which provide more capacity for water while allowing easier long term maintenance.

:: Combining traffic calming with drainage improvements to allow quicker removal of surface water from the road.

The full scheme is expected to take about eight weeks with the installation of the drainage improvements starting on Monday, February 15.

Traffic calming measures will be carried out towards the end of the works period.

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Ian Guard, who gave a presentation to the CAF on behalf of the council this week, also revealed the picture for roadworks linked to the scheme.

He said the majority of the works will be managed by two-way traffic lights due to the low levels of traffic during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Later in the works programme, full road closures may be needed with working times restrictions and short diversions being put in place to manage traffic.

Bus operators have also been consulted and were supportive of the design of the traffic calming measures, councillors were told.

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Councillor Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council and ward representative for Whitburn and Marsden, welcomed the works.

“I have been going on about this for years with regards to the drainage issues and flooding issues on this road,” she said.

“I have worked with the officers, the golf club and with the riding school on conversations as to the best way forward in delivering this scheme. So I really welcome it and it’s not before time.”

She added: “The only thing I’m going to say is I wish we could get this footpath sorted as well as the drainage issues. It’s very difficult to walk on when you’re coming along that country path.

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“Hopefully this drainage scheme will eliminate the flooding that we have got on the footpath.

“I really welcome it and I’m really looking forward to it, yes there’s going to be a little bit of disruption short-term but long-term, fantastic project.”

Council officers said they would continue to monitor speeds once the new traffic calming measures are in place and if more interventions are needed, speed limit changes could be looked at in future.

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