Easington MP Grahame Morris welcomed Durham County Council’s £5.5 million proposals to improve the Seaton Lane Junction.

In recent years, new commercial and housing developments in Seaham and Sunderland has led to significant road congestion on Seaton Lane.

In response, Durham County Council, in partnership with Sunderland City Council, made a successful bid to the Housing Infrastructure Fund, securing a £25 million investment, with £5.5 million earmarked to improve the Seaton Lane Junction.

Grahame Morris MP said:

“I am delighted Durham County Council have secured such a significant investment to address local highways issues on Seaton Lane.

I want to thank Cllr Kevin Shaw, Terry Collins, Chief Executive and the Durham County Council Highways Team. These proposals have been carefully developed since they were first proposed back in 2018. No-one should underestimate the effort it has taken to secure such a substantial award from the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The highway improvements will significantly improve the health and wellbeing of residents by reducing congestion and air pollution. I look forward to work commencing at the earliest opportunity.”

Changes to be made

Alterations will include a new roundabout and link road connecting the A19 southbound off slip directly to the A1018 so that traffic travelling to Sunderland can avoid Seaton Lane.

Part of the existing A1018 southbound will be converted to allow two-way traffic towards the Stockton Road roundabout.

A link from the new roundabout to Seaton Lane that still permits local journeys to Seaham will also be constructed.

Benefits of the project

The changes will help reduce congestion and journey times for both traffic in Seaham and movements towards Sunderland.

They will also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution along Seaton Lane, as well as maintaining direct movements onto and off the A19 and facilitate housing growth, both in Seaham and Sunderland South.

Cllr Kevin Shaw, Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, said:

“Seaham and Sunderland South have grown substantially in recent years as a direct result of very successful investment strategies from both us and Sunderland City Council. This growth – in both business and communities – has led to increased traffic accessing and leaving the A19 via Seaton Lane which has caused congestion and impacted upon residents and the places they live.

“We are therefore delighted that our joint application for funding has been successful. This will allow us to improve road connectivity long-term, delivering real benefits for Seaham, the city of Sunderland, and indeed the region”.