A66 weekend contraflow work between Long Newton and Stockton
A £2.3 million scheme to resurface the A66 between the A135 Preston Farm industrial estate junction and Elton will begin next week, providing a safer and smoother road surface for drivers in Stockton-on-Tees.
Highways Agency project manager, Shaun Cullumbine, said:
This is essential carriageway maintenance work which will improve the road surface and provide new road markings. We need to remove up to 400mm of road surface and reconstruct the carriageway. This work cannot be carried out during overnight road closures as the new surface needs sufficient time to cool and harden before the carriageway can be re-opened to traffic.
This work had originally been planned to take place earlier this month, during week day contraflows. However, on the first day of work drivers experienced long delays so we removed the traffic management and reprogrammed the work for later in the month. This has also enabled us to ensure our work does not take place at the same time as Stockton Council’s Newport Bridge work.
There will be night-time lane and junction closures from 24 October. Warning signs will be put up in advance of any closures, with clearly signed diversion routes.
The main contraflow work will take place over 4 weekends starting on Friday 31 October and should be completed prior to the main Christmas shopping period. Traffic flows at the weekend are lower and the impact on drivers will be minimised, however the work will cause some delays and drivers are asked to allow extra time when travelling in the area.
During the weekend contraflow work the westbound carriageway will be closed from 8pm on Friday evening until 6pm on Monday morning, with two-way traffic flow maintained on the eastbound carriageway. A 50 mph speed limit will be in operation for the duration of the works.
On Mondays to Fridays, both the eastbound and westbound carriageways will be open with two lanes operational in each direction; however contraflow cylinders will remain in place between lanes.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.