Silverlink proposals out for consultation

20-NOV-09

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

New plans for the improvement of the Silverlink junction are set to go on public display for the first time this month.

And Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Linda Arkley - who has pressed for an urgent solution - is urging as many people as possible to comment.

The Highways Agency is developing a scheme to improve the junction of the A19 and the Coast road A1058 at the Silverlink junction on behalf of the Department for Transport.

They have now developed three alternative options, which will now go on display in Cobalt Business Exchange (the former Atmel building), Cobalt Business Park on November 27 between 2.00pm and 8.00pm and November 28 between 10.00am and 4.00pm

Mrs Arkley said: "I am delighted that the Highways Agency has brought forward proposals to address the inadequacy of the Silverlink junction, especially with the imminent opening of the second Tyne Tunnel."

"It is imperative for the whole region that we have a new junction in place as soon as possible. A high quality road network is imperative if we are going to attract new investment and jobs to the North East.

Feedback from the public during the consultations will inform the final project implemented.

The A19 - the trunk road linking to the Tyne Tunnel - currently caters for 38,000 vehicles per day.

And the A1058 from Newcastle to the coast, which goes above the A19, accommodates 52,000 vehicles per day.

The Silverlink junction of the A19 trunk road and the A1058 is already over capacity - dealing with over 100,000 vehicles per day.

And when the second Tyne Tunnel opens in 2012 those figures could significantly increase.

The scheme is included in the North East Regional Funding Allocation improvements programme for a start of works in December 2014, following acceptance of a recommendation to Central Government by the North East Regional Transport Board.