A19 Testo's Junction Improvement Scheme
South Tyneside, North East England, UK · 2019–2021 (completed July 2021) · £130 million
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project was completed one month early and within budget, demonstrating effective project management and delivery. - It significantly reduced congestion and improved journey times at one of the busiest junctions in the North East. - The scheme was part of a wider investment in the A19 corridor to support regional economic growth. - The flyover design eliminated the need for traffic lights, allowing free-flowing movement on the A19.
Key engineering challenges
Converting an at-grade roundabout into a grade-separated junction with a flyover to improve traffic flow. - Constructing a new flyover structure for the A19 over a busy existing roundabout while maintaining traffic. - Managing complex ground conditions and utility diversions. - Minimizing disruption to a heavily trafficked junction during construction.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways (formerly Highways England)
- Lead contractor
- Costain
- Lead designers
- N/A (Integrated design and build)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- A19 raised on a flyover (2,085 metres in length) above the existing Testo's roundabout; new slip roads to connect to the A184.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; geotechnical; environmental; transport planning
- Standards & frameworks
- NEC4; DMRB; CDM Regulations
Sources: National Highways (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/a19-testo-s-junction/) - Construction Enquirer (https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/01/11/costain-bags-bundled-a19-junction-upgrades-for-125m/) - New Civil Engineer (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/costain-completes-a19-testos-flyover-for-highways-england-07-07-2021/) - Constructing Excellence (https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/a19-testos-junction-improvement-scheme/)