Press release: Consultation starts on Tyne and Wear junction

Local residents, businesses and road users are encouraged to take part in a 5 week statutory consultation into the A19 Testos junction improvement scheme in Tyne and Wear.

A preferred option was already selected for the junction back in 2014 but Highways England wishes to carry out a consultation update to make sure that nothing has changed and to allow people who have recently moved to the area to have their say. This is in accordance with the Planning Act 2008.

The scheme will improve journeys for drivers along the A19 who will no longer need to negotiate the current Testos roundabout. Work involves raising the A19 on a flyover and building new slip roads to connect it to the A184 via the Testos roundabout.

A computer generated video showing the new junction has also been released and is available at

Highways England project manager Paul Ahdal said:

This consultation is another opportunity for the people of Tyne and Wear to give us their thoughts on the proposed scheme and tell us about any changes locally.

This is an exciting scheme which will be delivered with the A19 Downhill Lane scheme which we consulted on late last year to keep disruption to a minimum.

The consultation begins on Monday 30 January and will run until Monday 6 March. Flyers have been sent to addresses in the area but brochures and questionnaires are available at local venues including Bunny Hill customer service centre and local libraries.

The information is also available on the scheme website.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.