A £124.5 million upgrade project on the northbound A19 in South Tyneside has reached a major milestone.

Testo's key roundabout is a major junction linking the north-south A19 corridor with the strategic eastern route around the busy Tyneside conurbation.

Costain is helping deliver the work, which will see the A19 raised above the existing Testo's roundabout and new slip roads built to connect it to the A184, creating a free-flowing route.

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Two new lanes have now opened on the popular route, including a new link road from Downhill Lane to Testo's roundabout

Highways England senior project manager Tom Howard said: "Considering the extremely poor weather we were up against during the summer and the autumn, we're really pleased to have completed this part of the job on time.

"The slip road work has created room for building the flyover. We will put together the foundations with more than 130 concrete piles, build up the embankments and get the road ready for drivers to enjoy a free-flowing A19."

The major scheme is due to be completed in summer 2021.

(CM/MH)