KINNINVIE crossroads will be closed to northbound motorists for 18 months while Durham County Council carries out safety changes – and officials say they are considering making the closure permanent.
Temporary traffic lights were installed in February after a car smashed into a home at the hamlet when another vehicle failed to stop at the junction, coming from the Barnard Castle direction.
This week, the Mercury reported how residents said there is chaos at the crossroads because the lights often get stuck on red.
Today, Durham County Council announced that a “precautionary road closure” will be put in place just south of Kinninvie crossroads.
The precautionary road closure – which will not apply to cyclists – will come into force once the lights are removed on Friday, July 7. It will effectively close the road to northbound motorists for up to 18 months. Durham County Council says the closure may be made permanent.
The work will see the installation of a kerbed island and no entry signs on the C41 road that runs between the B6278 and B6279 at a point just north of its Marwood/Stainton turn-off.
This will prohibit northbound drivers travelling from the B6278 from continuing past the turn-off to reach the B6279 Kinninvie crossroads.
Instead, they will be diverted to the B6279 via the C43 and Dent Gate Lane.
Dave Lewin, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “We’re implementing this Experimental Traffic Regulation Order following discussions and an on-site meeting with police, councillors, landowners, and the occupant of the damaged house.
“It will effectively close the road to northbound motorists for up to 18 months. This is a precautionary measure made possible by the very low volume of traffic that uses this route. It gives us time to consider the various concerns that have been raised and explore options for the future of the road network in this area in detail.
“Though this is not a busy route, we do apologise in advance for any delays to journeys and appreciate people’s patience while we consider the options. Diversions will be clearly signed.
“One of the options the council will be considering is whether the closure should be made permanent.”
Anyone who wishes to object to a permanent closure should send their objection, and the grounds for it, to Sharon Renwick, Legal Assistant, Legal Services, County Hall, Durham, or via email to “mailto:highways.orders@durham.gov.uk” highways.orders@durham.gov.uk and quote reference number 36565.
Full details of the order can be found on the council’s website at “http://www.durham.gov.uk/statutorynotices” www.durham.gov.uk/statutorynotices and are available for inspection at Barnard Castle library during normal opening hours.
