Hartlepool motorists warned to expect weeks of delays and diversions at A689-Truro Drive junction
Motorists are warned of upcoming delays and diversions as the final phase of “essential” traffic light replacement work begins.
The scheme will improve signals at the junction of the A689 with Truro Drive, in Hartlepool, and is expected to last between four and five weeks from Monday, January 12.
Work was initially due to start on Wednesday, January 7, until it was delayed so Northumbrian Water could complete sewer repairs in Owton Manor Lane, which forms part of the diversion route.
Hartlepool Borough Council said in a statement: “The works mark the last of six major schemes where the traffic signals were identified as coming to the end of their life and needed replacing or an increased risk of traffic light failure was likely.
"External grant funding has been secured from the Government which must be spent by the end of March, the reason for all of these schemes being delivered in a short timescale.
To keep traffic moving along the A689, the existing signals will be turned off, with no right turn permitted into or out of Truro Drive.
"Traffic will be able to turn left out of Truro Drive onto the A689 under 'give way' control.
"But there will be no left turn into Truro Drive from the A689. Signed diversions will operate via Owton Manor Lane.
“A temporary pedestrian crossing will be provided slightly further north, again to improve traffic flows through the junction itself, and this will necessitate the closure of the northbound bus stop.
"An alternative stop is available 150 metres further north at Dawlish Drive.”
Access to Blackford Nurseries will be on a “left in/ left out” basis with vehicles travelling towards town able to turn using the Owton Lodge roundabout.
On leaving the garden centre, vehicles wishing to head back into town are advised to take the next left into Queens Meadow Business Park and use the roundabout within the park.
The council added: “We accept these works will inconvenience some residents and would like to apologise for any disruption caused.
"However, these works are essential and have been programmed in at a time that will hopefully minimise this disruption.
"Undertaking them overnight would incur significant additional costs that would exceed the grant allocation while the noise generated would lead to additional disturbance for residents living close by.”