Why work to strengthen this collapsing river bank will slow down journeys between Yarm and Ingleby Barwick this summer
Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Leven Bank Road in Yarm from Monday, June 25 as essential work to strengthen the nearby river bank gets under way.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is carrying out the work on a 40 metre section of riverbank which runs directly alongside the road.
One side of the road will be closed to enable access to the river bank, and two way traffic lights will be in place until the work is complete.
Why is the work necessary?
The River Leven runs very close to a section of Leven Bank Road around 160 metres west of the bridge.
The Council regularly monitors the erosion of the river bank along this stretch and has been planning the bank strengthening work for some time.
In February, the Council protected a small section of the river bank (pictured) and installed temporary barriers along the roadside.
But if left unchecked, the erosion of the bank would pose a threat to the safety of the road.
Will the work cause disruption?
The Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: "We have scheduled most of the work to coincide with the summer holidays, when traffic is generally a lot lighter, but there will inevitably be some disruption.
"We will do all we can to keep it to a minimum, and we'll also be manually controlling the traffic lights at peak times to minimise delays. Drivers can help ease congestion at peak times by using alternative routes too.
"It's essential that we do this work and on completion, the strengthening of the river bank will protect the road from the effects of water erosion for years to come."
Why are traffic lights needed?
It is necessary to close one side of Leven Bank Road to allow staff and machinery access to the riverbank to carry out the necessary strengthening work.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place and two way traffic will be maintained at all times. Delays are expected at peak times.
What about the footpath and nearby bus stop?
Unfortunately, the nearby 17/X17 bus stop will be out of use for the duration of the work but thoroughfare for pedestrians will be maintained at all times.
When will the traffic lights be in place?
The traffic lights will be in place from Monday, June 25 and the work is expected to last around 10 weeks, weather permitting.