Highways Agency
Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers
Why Roadworks?
Update - February 2003
Why Roadworks?
The A696 and A68 will have essential maintenance works undertaken to keep them safe for use. There are to be a number of Highway alterations schemes along the A696 and A68 to improve safetyfor road users.
Reducing delays
Update - February 2003
Reducing delays
The Highways Agency continues to work towards keeping delay to a minimum by:
- limiting the length of individual schemes
- where possible, working hours will be restricted to minimise disruption to traffic
- avoiding restrictions during Bank Holidays and other peak periods
- planning schemes
- supplying information to the motorist
What drivers should do
Update - February 2003
What drivers should do
Plan Journeys
- Allow extra time for journeys, particularly in bad weather
- Phone the help line 08457 50 40 30 for information
- Tune to local radio stations
Before you set out
- Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey. Breakdowns near roadworks can cause delays and possibly accidents
As you go
Take note of signs giving information about future roadworks. At the first sign warning you of theroadworks pay extra attention to ALL signs. The road layout ahead may have changed since you last drove along it.
- Obey speed limits - they are there for your safety and the safety of the men carrying out the roadworks
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- If you do break down stop as near to the edge of the road as possible
- Use hazard warning lights and be careful opening doors
- Police patrols will be on duty
- Be aware of traffic management layouts such as: traffic lights, stop/go, convoy working and lane closures
If you have a complaint
Update - February 2003
If you have a complaint
We try always to keep inconvenience to a minimum, but if you experience delays, without obvious reason and you want to complain you can phone the :
Highways Agency Information Line (HAIL) on 08457 50 40 30.
We will be happy to discuss your complaint and give you all the help and information we can.
Keep in contact
Update - February 2003
Keep in contact
By telephone
From the Highways Agency's A696/A68, 24 hour phone lines 08457 50 40 30 giving the latest information on roadworks and likely delays (updated weekly).
On teletext
The latest road information is available on teletext services:
- BBC Ceefax page 431 - 437
- Teletext UK page 191 - 193
In the papers
Most local papers and some nationals have special sections dealing with roadworks.
On the radio
- BBC Radio Newcastle - FM 96 and FM 95.4
- Metro FM - FM 103.0
- Century radio - FM 100.7
- Magic FM - 1152.kHz