A joint venture (JV) between John Sisk and Lagan Construction (Sisk Lagan) has started main construction work to build a new £75 million triple decker roundabout in North Tyneside.

The scheme aims to improve the A19/A1058 Coast Road junction. Works involve lowering the A19 beneath the existing A1058 Coast Road and roundabout to reduce congestion and improve reliability.

Main piling work is underway on the northern side of the roundabout, which will create the start of the underpass. This will form the new support for the A1058 road ahead of the underpass being dug out.

Major drainage work will also start over the next few months between the roundabout and the A193 junction, along with piling work on the new slips roads on the A19.

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Piling work around Middle Engine Lane has already been completed, including preparatory work such as clearing the roundabout of vegetation and creating a temporary road layout around the A19 Coast Road roundabout.

Highways England project manager Julie Alexander said: "This is a great milestone in the project which will see work start on creating the third layer of the roundabout. This is a complex piece of engineering which has required some careful planning and once complete will bring real benefits for drivers in the North Tyneside area and to the wide economy.

"We are aware of some of the issues drivers are having with increased traffic around Hadrian's Park and we are working closely with North Tyneside Council to address the problems.

"We have also agreed to look at the possibility of shortening the area affected by the reduced speed limit on the westbound carriageway on the A1058 Coast Road and are working with Northumbria Police on this. Obviously the safety of our workforce is our top priority and this must always come first."

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2019.

(LM/MH)