A191 Holystone Bypass Upgrade and Asda Benton Junction

MGL Group’s full range of in-house capabilities was displayed on this infrastructure project delivered for Northumberland Estates, on behalf of North Tyneside Council.

The purpose of the scheme was to improve the capacity of the A191, safety of the network and provide safe access to new housing developments.

We undertook upgrades to the existing single lane carriageway transforming it into a dual carriageway, with improvements to the pedestrian and cycle provision.

Scope of works

• Dualling of the A191 Holystone Way between Holystone Interchange and Wheatsheaf roundabout for 1.5 miles
• New roundabout formed to facilitate access to the new housing development site and exit from the Rising Sun Country Park
• Additional Westbound bypass lane
• New pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities throughout the 1.5 mile length of road
• New equestrian crossing facility
• Re-configuration of the existing light controlled pedestrian crossing to provide toucan crossing and alterations to the existing footway to provide pedestrian / cycle shared use
• Removal of existing roundabout at Asda Benton Junction and installing a new four-way traffic light system inclusive of filter lanes
• Configuration of new entrances to the Asda store
• Installation of the new drainage system
• Removal of the existing lighting scheme and installation of a new lighting scheme
• Diversion of all STATs services in the area including 4 controlled outages on the Northern Power Grid network and the live slewing of 0.7 miles of BT ducting

As Principal Contractor, Rainton Construction was tasked with the management and coordination of all design, planning and construction aspects of the project.

There were multiple road improvement projects being carried out simultaneously in the area. This included the neighbouring Highways England project at the A19 Silver link roundabout less than a mile away which resulted in the A191 Holystone route acting as a bypass for the A19 works, creating an increased traffic volume of 30%.

Construction comprised of the excavation and disposal of existing footpaths and the formation of the new carriage way, inclusive of new footpaths, kerb lines, drainage, new street lighting systems, new traffic light systems, multi service diversions, new crossing points, duct routes and signage installation.

Excavation works and all coated materials for the surfacing works were supplied by MGL Earthworks and Tynedale Roadstone.

Rainton Construction reprogrammed the works to the Asda upgrade to avoid any unnecessary disruption to the local businesses and traders in the lead up to Christmas.

In addition to the project we also undertook some development works within the local nature park, the Rising Sun Country Park. This work included the demolition of a number of buildings undertaken by MGL Demolition, the construction of a number of nature walkways, a viewing platform over the local pond and a series of sustainable drainage ponds.