Date set for improvements to Norton including new one-way system on the High Street

Works to improve Norton High Street are set to begin later this month.

Work will begin on Monday 26 February and will see the creation of a northbound one-way system at the southern section of Norton High Street and work to extend pedestrianised areas and public realm.

The scheme is being delivered following the 'Let's Talk About Our Towns' public consultation in 2020 and further engagement with Norton's residents, businesses and visitors in 2021 which identified and developed proposals for improvements to parking and traffic flow, while continuing to offer support for local businesses.

They will help to enhance Norton's popularity both during the day and evenings. This will create more flexible spaces and allow new opportunities and further growth to an already thriving area, such as leisure activities, pop-up markets and outdoor seating.

The completed scheme will also provide six additional car, taxi or loading spaces.

The Council has appointed Esh Construction to undertake the works and a number of changes to the High Street will be in place during the construction period.

Work will take place in phases before its completion in autumn. The Council will be engaging with residents and businesses over the coming weeks to explain how the different phases may impact them.

From Sunday 3 March, the new one-way road layout will be in place, along with Traffic Management arrangements for the duration of the works.

The service road in front of Tesco Express and Greggs will have its traffic flow reversed, with entry from Leven Road and exiting onto Norton High Street to join the new one-way system.

Phase one will include highway and footpath works on the West Side of the High Street between Holly Street and the service road in front of Tesco Express and Greggs and on the Eastern side of the High Street between the A139 and Holly Street.

Phase two will begin later in the spring and will include highways and footpath works from Harland Place to Holly Street.

Final surfacing works will take place in the summer.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing: "People want to be a part of Norton and its success but with that comes improvements that need to be made to give everyone the best experience in the town.

"We're following up from the wonderful additions to the duck pond and delivering another positive benefit to Norton for its residents, businesses and visitors.

"These plans are the next step in the journey for futureproofing Norton and ensuring it is fit for purpose for future generations and I am looking forward to seeing the finished result."

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "We are delighted to be bringing our expertise to this project which will play an important role in improving Norton High Street for residents, businesses and visitors.

"Combined with the Stockton Waterfront project that we are also delivering, it is an exciting time as a North East contractor to be involved in the transformation programme underway across the borough."

Find out more about the scheme, including the phases and how to contact the Council with any queries.