Upgrade of busy Jarrow junction set to begin to cut congestion and improve air quality

The six-week project will upgrade the junction of the A194 Newcastle Road and Shaftesbury Avenue at the Bede Industrial Estate in Jarrow and aims to cut congestion and improve air quality.

The work, due to start later this next week and involve off-peak lane closures, will look to amend the signals to keep traffic moving better, and make it safer for people on foot and using their bikes.

The turning is close to Tesco, McDonald’s and Burger King, and is also busy with motorists accessing the industrial estate and Marriners Park, home to South Shields FC.

Work has already been ongoing as part of the wider scheme to improve cycle and pedestrian routes along a stretch of the John Reid Road.

Councillor Mark Walsh, lead member for housing and transport, said: “The A194 is a key strategic gateway in and out of South Tyneside.

“This scheme will optimise signal timings at this busy junction to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion, as well as improving pedestrian and cycle routes

“The majority of the works will be carried out using off-peak lane closures to minimise any disruption, but we thank motorists in advance for their patience.”

They will be carried out by South Tyneside Council’s in-house construction team in collaboration with the regional traffic signals service.

The council received £315k in DEFRA Air Quality Grant Funding to deliver a range of projects to improve air quality, sustainability and address climate change.

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