The Regional Chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE) has visited the A19 Coast Road scheme which is using some complex engineering to create a triple decker roundabout in North Tyneside.
Sarah Kellerman, the new Regional Chairman of ICE in the North East, visited the £75 million Highways England scheme to see first-hand the work that is taking place in North Tyneside to create a new section of road which will run under the existing junction.
This scheme, when complete, will reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.
Highways England and its contractors Sisk Lagan are supporting the Institution of Civil Engineers’ public awareness campaign by displaying a large ‘This is Civil Engineering’ banner at the site.
The banners which are being put up at sites across the country help increase public perception of civil engineering projects and how they will benefit the community. This could be through protecting homes and businesses from floods, ensuring drinking water is clean or providing the roads and railways that keep people connected.
Since the campaign was first launched in 2012, over 100 projects and 100 partner organisations have joined in raising their ‘This is Civil Engineering’ banners and celebrating the vital role civil engineering plays in society.
“We are pleased to be supporting this campaign at our A19 Coast Road scheme which requires some complex engineering solutions to to lower the A19 below the 2 existing levels of the roundabout and the A1058 Coast Road. This project is delivering vital infrastructure for the North East by reducing congestion and improving journey time reliability for those that use the A19 daily. Piling work is well underway on the site and we will soon be starting work on putting in some of the new structures.”Brian Williams, Highways England’s regional programme leader
When the new underpass is created around 100,000 cubic metres, 10,000 wagon movements, of recycled earthwork will be moved.
“The Sisk-Lagan joint venture is delighted to be working with Highways England to safely deliver this vital junction improvement for the North East. This is the first Northern Powerhouse project demonstrating a significant investment in the North East’s infrastructure providing opportunities for many graduates and civil engineering apprenticeships. Our STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ambassadors use their enthusiasm and commitment to encourage young people to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. We are really pleased to be able to work with ICE to promote the work we do.”Wayne Metcalfe, Sisk Lagan’s transportation director
“The triple-decker roundabout is an excellent example of the innovative solutions that civil engineers develop to improve and create infrastructure, in the North East and around the globe. We are delighted that Highways England and Sisk Lagan are displaying a ‘This is Civil Engineering’ banner at the project to highlight the work of civil engineers. Members of our profession work every day to design, build, maintain and upgrade the infrastructure the region relies on.”Sarah Kellerman, ICE Regional Chairman