Work due to start to close dangerous gaps on A19 following calls from dead woman’s family

The gap in the central reservation on the A19 at the Stony Lane junction.

Work to close gaps in the central barrier on the A19 will start later this month following calls for action from the family of a woman killed in an accident.

The central barrier will be extended at the Stony Lane junction near Osmotherley.

Alterations to the lining will also be made so drivers can only make left turns into and out of the side road on to the A19.

Later this year, work will also be carried out at the Mount Grace junction.

Alterations will be made to the lining at the junction including providing a lane for drivers exiting on to the A19 and additional signage will also be put in place.

A safety study into gaps on the A19 between Dishforth and the Tyne Tunnel was commissioned by Highways England in December after an inquest into the death of a former teacher who died when a van crossed from one carriageway to the other through a central reservation gap.

The van hit the car of 83-year-old Sonia Rose, of Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, head-on at the Stony Lane junction and she was killed.

The coroner subsequently joined with Mrs Rose’s family and MPs Rishi Sunak and Kevin Hollinrake to demand safety improvements on the busy dual carriageway.

Highways England’s project manager Ben Dobson said: “The safety of drivers on the A19 is of the highest importance to us and we continually look at any safety improvements we can make.

“As part of our work to further improve safety along this route between Dishforth and the Tyne Tunnel we have been carrying out a review which looks at a range of safety options including if any of the gaps can be closed.

“This work is continuing and we have started to design some further improvements which could be put in place when future funds becomes available. Any proposals for significant change to the A19 will obviously consider the diverse needs for the communities who use this road.”

The main construction work at Stony Lane is due to start on Monday 18 March and is due to be completed by early April.

Work at Mount Grace is currently being planned for late September and is expected to last around two months.

Improvements to ease congestion at Sheraton crossroads by installing traffic lights are also expected to be completed by late April. The work, which is being carried out by Durham County Council, is being funded as part of the £220m Congestion Relief Fund announced back in March 2017.

Highways England is currently working in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council on proposals to improve safety at the Elwick and Dalton Piercy junctions. These proposals may include closing the gaps to improve safety along the A19.

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