Councillors Richard Ormerod, David Freeman, Carole Lattin, Rob Hanson & Helen Weston

Liberal Democrat Councillors for Elvet, Crossgate, Highgate, Sidegate, St Nicholas and Gilesgate Bank Learn more

Overnight closures to complete Leazes Bowl works

by Elvet & Gilesgate Lib Dems on 8 September, 2016

The final stage of the major works on Leazes Bowl roundabout as part of a scheme to improve journey times on the main route through Durham City starts this month.

Durham County Council is currently installing the £2.5 million SCOOT system which will see traffic lights placed on a reconfigured Leazes Bowl roundabout. These follow lights installed on Gilesgate roundabout earlier in the year as part of a system which will result in easier journeys in the future. Improvements are also being made to both pedestrian and cycling facilities.

The last major works will be carried out at the same time as the current phase which sees no right turns onto and off Leazes Bowl roundabout in the direction of New Elvet.

Starting on 11 September, the final stage will see parts of the roundabout closed overnight to allow for traffic sensors to be installed, the new roundabout to be resurfaced and lane markings painted.

For three consecutive weeks, sections of the roundabout will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am, with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights.

During the closures there will be signed diversions via Gilesgate roundabout and Claypath as well as contraflow systems in place. Some work will also continue during the day throughout this period but the majority will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to traffic.

Councillor David Freeman said:

“The project is progressing on schedule and we’re now reaching the end of the major works. This closure will cause some inconvenience but by doing this only overnight and not during weekends the council hopes to minimise the disruption to people.”

Gilesgate works have already been completed, with the exception of some short-term resurfacing work later in the year. The traffic lights are working but have been optimised to help people travelling through the ongoing improvements on Leazes Bowl roundabout meaning traffic is temporarily slower for those heading into Durham from the A690.

People can see full details at www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesBowl which includes links to information about bus services, traffic cameras that people can check before setting off and tips to avoid possible delays. Motorists are also advised to keep up to date with the latest on social media using #LeazesBowl.

Following installation, the new traffic lights will be coordinated with those in place on the Gilesgate and Milburngate roundabouts to better manage the flow of vehicles through the city. Following a period of testing, the council aims to start using the fully coordinated system by March 2017. This will mean much more predictable travel through Durham City at peak times, making journeys easier for motorists and helping bus operators to plan services.

It will also enable the council to more effectively deal with the impacts of incidents and planned events on the road network.

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