New Traffic Signs Ease Congestion For Motorists At Level Crossing

Motorists are benefiting from new signs giving real-time information on when the barriers are down at a prominent Redcar level crossing.

Five signs will improve vehicle flows and divert drivers away from West Dyke Road Level Crossing when traffic is halted for rail services.

Equipment has been installed at the West Dyke Road signal box after Tees Valley Combined Authority funded the new signs.

Network Rail, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and TVCA have worked with Middlesbrough Council which hosts the Urban Traffic Management & Control Centre that oversees road network.

The screens are located at:

• Trunk Road, near the Fire Station
• Kirkleatham Lane, near Staintondale
• Redcar Lane, near Borough Rd
• Alma Parade, outside Morrisons

A fifth display will be placed near Locke Park on Corporation Road.

The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet have separately agreed to put £1million into a study examining whether there is an alternative to the existing crossing – including exploring whether a bridge could be viable in the longer term.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We know the crossing at West Dyke Road can often be a headache and it creates a knock-on effect on traffic in the town.

“These matrix signs will help ease the problem for the time being and I’m pleased we’ve managed to work together to get these signs sorted.

“Technology will be absolutely vital to making our transport work for everyone in Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool – which is why we’re putting £70million into upgrading our traffic system with cameras, AI and real-time tracking over the coming years.

“When it comes to West Dyke Road, we now need a cure which is why we’re funding a study into whether creating a bridge, or a new way of crossing the line can solve the problems it brings once and for all.”

Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I am working closely with the TVCA, Network Rail and Arriva to improve the traffic flow in Redcar. We are all well aware of the congestion that builds up around the level crossings when the barriers are down, and these pressures have grown in recent years because of increased rail use and car journeys.

“I welcome this real-time messaging system which will help residents and visitors make informed choices about which route they choose to take to the town centre and avoid queuing to cross the railway. I will continue to work closely with TVCA on our future transport plans to support Redcar and across our borough.”

The Middlesbrough Traffic Signals & Urban Traffic Management Control (UTMC) team keeps the region’s traffic systems running, and played an important role in getting the signs up and running.

Graeme Marquis, Senior Asset Engineer for Network Rail, said: “It has been great to work with local partners on this project to try and implement new ways to improve traffic flow in Redcar.

“West Dyke Road level crossing sees a high amount of passenger and freight trains every day and we hope that this work will improve journeys for motorists.”