More chances to have your say on proposed Elwick bypass

A further drop-in public consultation event is being held on Monday 12 February in Elwick Village Hall from 3pm to 7pm.

People can also find out more and comment online by clicking here.

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.

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.

“Thank you to everyone who has given us their views so far. If they haven’t yet done so, there is still time for people to comment – either at the Elwick Village Hall event or online on the Council’s website.”

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