Have your say on proposed Elwick bypass

The bypass would be to the north of the village and would include a grade separated junction – a new bridge over the A19, with associated sliproads - in place of one of the existing A19 Elwick junctions.

The project – which is subject to planning permission – forms part of the Hartlepool Local Plan and would:

* reduce traffic flow through Elwick, thereby also helping to improve road safety in the village.

* improve safety at the A19 Elwick junctions by removing the need for traffic to turn right across the southbound carriageway of the A19 to get to and from Elwick.

* provide a much-needed third route into Hartlepool, reducing congestion on the A689 and A179.

* provide a vital transport link to enable the development of areas earmarked for hundreds of new homes to the west of Hartlepool.

The Council has designed the plans working closely with Highways England and the aim would be to complete the bypass by spring 2020.

The public consultation dates and venues are:

Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 January in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre (ground floor – main square) from 10am to 2pm.

Monday 12 February in Elwick Village Hall from 3pm to 7pm.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “Not only would the bypass substantially reduce traffic through Elwick and help improve road safety, as a third route into Hartlepool and as the main access to hundreds of proposed new homes, it would play a vital part in the continued growth and prosperity of the borough.

“I very much hope people will take the time to drop into one of the consultation events to study our proposals and give us their views.”

Anyone who isn’t able to attend the consultation but would like to find out more should contact Principal Engineer Kieran Bostock on (01429) 284291 or email kieran.bostock@hartlepool.gov.uk