A unanimous vote has seen the package of measures to improve transport in the Tees Valley approved, with the Mayor and the Cabinet all in agreement.
Almost £1 billion of funding is being allocated to 26 projects that will deliver major transport improvements in the region, with the most expensive project being a plan to ease traffic in Darlington. This will see a new relief road being created in the north of the town, thanks to £250 million of investment.
Other major projects will see a new station and transport interchange at Tees Marshalling Yards in Thornaby, with £150 million being set aside for the delivery of that particular improvement work, as well as £30 million being set aside to bring the iconic Transporter Bridge back into action.
Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, said:
“This plan will revolutionise travel across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool. We’re determined to improve everyone’s day-to-day travel, but we also want to bolster our continued plan to make our region an economic powerhouse with access to good, well-paid, long-term jobs.
“Scrapping the pointless HS2 northern leg was a complete no-brainer as it would have delivered no benefit to us whatsoever. The money released from that decision has given our plans the shot in the arm they need to come off the drawing board and into the real world.
“Now we have the backing we need; we can now get on with the hard work of putting this plan into action – and getting spades in the ground in as many of these projects as we can as soon as we possibly can.”
Some examples of further improvement works include:
- £83 million for Local Highway Authority improvements
- £60 million to invest in digital technology to improve traffic flows and create a landscape for autonomous vehicles
- £50 million for improvements to the A689 corridor
- £45 million to deliver improvements to local journeys as communities access employment, education and health services.
Independent endorsement for the improvement package has also come from the Tees Valley Business Board, which represents local businesses and advises the Mayor, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and local councils on their programmes. Chair of the Tees Valley Business Board, Siobhan McArdle, also commented on the announcement being given the go-ahead, saying:
“Transforming the Tees Valley transport network is crucial to the delivery of inclusive economic growth, and ensuring people have the best possible access to both the employment opportunities created and the education and skills programmes available to support them.
“This programme offers an ambitious range of schemes which will improve access and connectivity across our region and as the Business Board we look forward to working with TVCA’s transport team as they scope, cost and prioritise these exciting programmes of work.”
Image credit: iStock
