A690: Work starts on lights at Durham junction after fatal crash

The A690 turn-off onto Pittington Road, in West Rainton, near Durham, was branded “dangerous” by people living near the junction after multiple crashes.

The Northern Echo last year reported on an accident at the junction which resulted in the air ambulance being called to the scene and one man being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Earlier in the summer of 2022 there had been a crash at the same junction, resulting in the “needless death of a young mother” according to resident Alan Lowery.

Read next: A690 Durham: Traffic lights for 'carnage' junction after fatal crashes

Mr Lowery lives opposite the junction, which he says gives him the “perfect location” for the “daily carnage” at the crossing point.

Now, Durham County Council is set to begin work on Tuesday, May 2 to install traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing at West Rainton and Pittington Road junctions of the road.

Works, which are expected to take 14 weeks to complete, will include widening the carriageway, installing island and light-controlled pedestrian crossings, as well as resurfacing and repainting the road.

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnership, said: “These works are part of a wider scheme to improve access for drivers and pedestrians using the A690 and surrounding area.

“These are major works that will provide a significant benefit to traffic and the wider infrastructure of the area.

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“We know the A690 is a main route for motorists, so we would like to thank people for their patience while these improvements are carried out.”

The scheme has been funded through a joint agreement between Durham County Council and the developer responsible for new housing along Station Road in West Rainton.

As part of the planning conditions for this, the developer was required to fund traffic lights at the West Rainton A690 junction to support the infrastructure of the new estate.