British transport authority Highways England has officially opened the A19 Testo’s flyover over a roundabout in South Tyneside.

The flyover is intended to improve traffic flows through the junction by allowing motorists to travel along the A19 over the roundabout, as well as using new slip roads to the A184.

A Highways England traffic officer vehicle and other vehicles from local emergency services were the first to cross the flyover.

The Testo’s flyover installation works started in March 2019 in an effort to reduce congestion at the junction, which is predicted to carry 83,400 vehicles a day by 2033.

The 142m flyover weighs more than 1,300t.

Link roads are also being built between Downhill Lane and Testo’s to boost journey times.

The improvement works were led by British construction and engineering company Costain.

In a statement, Costain said it had delivered the works a month ahead of schedule and within their budget.

Highways England acting chief executive Nick Harris said: “This opening is an important milestone in the substantial investment being made in the North East’s major A roads.

“These improvements will make a major contribution to the region, from providing better journeys to and from the region’s ports and Teesside airport, to improving journey times for local people who can get home more quickly and safely to their families or to and from their workplace.”

Transport for the North major roads director Peter Molyneux said: “It’s fantastic to see this improved junction open to traffic and hear that it is already making a real difference to those using the A19 by removing a renowned pinch-point.

“The upgraded junction will provide extra capacity to help increase resilience, and also bring safety improvements and a better integrated local road network.”

Last month, Highways England unveiled £142m ($197m) investment plans to improve motorways and major A roads in the South East of England.