National Highways has revealed two options for northumberland’s Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 near Cramlington. One would take the A19 over the junction on a bridge, while the other would create free-flow links between the A19 and A189 in both directions.
Both schemes are estimated to take three years to build. Consultation drop-in events will run during the process, and people can submit their views online.
Moor Farm roundabout plans
Under the bridge option, vehicles would use the A19 without stopping. The existing 40mph restrictions would be replaced by the national speed limit, and the roundabout would be enlarged and reconfigured to better manage local traffic. The westbound exit to Dudley Lane would be removed, with drivers sent to Broad Law instead.
The free-flow option would send the northbound link over a bridge and keep the southbound link at ground level. Traffic staying on the A19 would use the existing junction, and National Highways said that would reduce congestion, queuing and delays because some movements would be taken off the roundabout. Under that option, the existing 40mph speed limits would remain.
Emma Foody and 2020 crashes
Emma Foody, the Cramlington and Killingworth MP, warned in November that the existing layout was preventing business expansion and causing investment to be delayed or withdrawn. She also described the roundabout as “misery” and a “blocker to growth and a blocker to opportunity” for residents.
National Highways said it had looked at a number of possibilities and weighed journey times, road safety, the environment and build cost before narrowing the field. Police figures recorded 14 accidents at or close to the roundabout since the start of 2020, and initial assessments by National Highways judged the project poor value for money.
The consultation now gives drivers, residents and businesses a chance to push for one layout over the other before a final choice is made. The bridge plan would change speeds and remove one local exit, while the free-flow plan would keep the 40mph limit but leave some traffic using the roundabout as it is.
