Error on A19 slip road markings near Hartlepool as motorists are given the number of a nonexistent road

Red-faced road chiefs have apologised over the mistake on the new road markings on the slip road at the A19 Hartlepool/Wingate junction.
The signage gives accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.The signage gives accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.
The signage gives accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.

On the A19 southbound carriageway slip road, the left hand lane is clearly and correctly marked as taking travellers east on the A179 to Hartlepool.

However, on the right hand lane, where the markings are supposed to tell drivers that they need the B1280 to travel west to Wingate, the wrong road number has been painted in large white digits onto the road surface.

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Instead it refers to the B1289; a road that used to run through Sunderland but has been defunct for decades.

The signage give accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.The signage give accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.
The signage give accurate information - unlike the nearby road markings.

Mail reader John Lennox, who lives in Wheatley Hill and frequently uses the slip road, spotted the error.

He said: “I noticed it when they finished the road markings a few weeks ago. It’s still there now.

“I know the road like the back of my hand, so I’m not likely to get lost. But not everyone knows it as well as I do.”

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The erroneous road markings were painted as part of work completed recently on the A19 / A179 / B1280 Sheraton junction, between Hart Village and South Wingate.

The slip road guides motorists to the B1289 - which doesn't exist.The slip road guides motorists to the B1289 - which doesn't exist.
The slip road guides motorists to the B1289 - which doesn't exist.

Traffic lights have been installed to reduce traffic queuing back onto the A19 from both the northbound and southbound slip roads. The speed limit across the junction has been reduced to 40mph, making it easier for drivers to turn right at the junction.

The £1.1m improvements on the junction began in October last year. Resurfacing was completed in June and, following months of inconvenience, motorists are now beginning to reap the benefits of the work – with one little hiccup.

Mark Readman, Durham County Council’s highways services manager, said: “We were made aware of an error by our sub-contractor when marking the road number at this location.

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“We apologise for any confusion this may have caused and are liaising with the contractor to ensure the error is corrected as quickly as possible.”

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “We are aware of the issue and will be changing the marking as soon as possible. Apologies for any confusion.”