Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
A19 Black Swan Bridge Feasibility Study
A19 Dishforth to Tyne Tunnel
Feasibility Study
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
8.1 Conclusions
8.1.1 It has been possible to identify two Options to provide a compact grade-separatedjunction at the A19 Black Swan Crossroads.
8.1.2 Both of these would provide a loop road to the north of the existing junction, connectingthe two side road arms by means of a bridge over the A19. A number of forms of bridgeconstruction were considered and evaluated, albeit without the benefit of anygeotechnical investigation. The most favourable form of superstructure is considered tobe using single span steel/reinforced concrete composite. The relative merits of thesub-structure options could only be determined following a geotechnical investigation.
8.1.3 The essential difference between the two Options is that Option 1 complies with thedesirable minimum layout standards contained in TD 40/94 whereas Option 2 makesuse of some permitted relaxations to secure a more compact layout. Option 2, withbridge approach gradients greater then 5% would be less user friendly for cyclists.
8.1.4 In either case, the existing left-in, left-out junctions of the side roads with the A19 wouldbe retained, since these elements of the junction actually exceed the requirements ofTD40/94.
8.1.5 The economic assessment was undertaken using COBA and compares each of theOptions identified with two alternative Do Minimum cases, one with the gap remainingclosed in the Do-Min, the other with the gap re-opened. These assessments werecarried out for each of the low, central and high traffic growth profiles, ensuring that wehad examined a range of possible future scenarios wide enough to encompass anycredible future outcomes.
8.1.6 The results of the economic assessments show, with just one exception (Option 1assessed against the 'gap open do minimum' in the low traffic growth scenario), apositive economic result, indicating that the Scheme represents good value-for-money.As expected Option 2 out-performs Option 1 on account of its lower construction costsand more compact layout resulting in lower journey time penalties.
8.2 Recommendations
8.2.1 Subject to there not being a significant suppressed demand for cyclist use of a bridge,Option 2 is recommended for taking forward as an economic solution to providing agrade separated junction
