Darlington Northern Link Road plans advance
Plans to progress the long-awaited road have moved forward, with a study of the various options published and a public consultation scheduled for early summer.
The proposed route would create a new connection between the A66 and the A1(M), aiming to ease congestion on key corridors in north Darlington, particularly the A1150 and the A167 between Harrowgate Hill and Junction 59.
The latest review revisits earlier proposals for a Darlington bypass, taking into account rising construction costs, planned housing developments, and shifting traffic patterns following the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a result, route options have been reassessed to reflect current conditions.
The study outlines a longlist of 12 potential routes, ranging from four to 14 miles in length. This has been narrowed to a shortlist: Routes 1C, 2, 2A, 3 and 4, which will form the basis of the upcoming consultation.
A more extensive option linking to the A1(M) near or at Junction 59 is also under consideration.
Credit: Tees Valley Combined Authority
The scheme is seen as a key infrastructure project to support economic growth across the Tees Valley by improving strategic transport links for both passengers and freight.
Following the consultation, an outline business case is expected to be developed later this year to advance the project.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “A new link road in the North of Darlington is vital. For far too long, the town has carried HGVs and bumper to bumper traffic at peak times, thundering through largely residential areas.
“This link road is long overdue and is needed for the sake of the town and the growth of our entire region.
“If we want to see jobs and investment continue to come to Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool then it’s vital we have the right infrastructure to be able to support this, and I’m determined we see the project through to completion.”
Cllr Steve Harker, TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure and leader of Darlington Council, added: “The Tees Valley deserves a road network that provides fast and effective connections to the motorway network.
“We will continue to support and push for the ambitious plans and options that deliver a high standard road from the Port to the A1.
“We need ensure this massive investment from Government opens opportunities across all the Tees Valley and solves, once and for all, the issue of unsuitable levels of strategic traffic and HGVs running through residential areas.”
The full options report is available here: Darlington Northern Link Road – Tees Valley
If your heading south on the A1 from Newcastle why not take the A689 to teesside. This new road has nothing to do with improving the link, more about town expansion. Upgrading the A689 would give a shorter journey and be cheaper.
By Paul
The only way this will fully happen is if the entire Skerningham Masterplan including the key access developments are appoved and contributions are agreed. If any part of it is refused it will kill the scheme losing the area significant amounts of investment.
By ML