Fresh plans for a strategic link road between the A66 and the A1(M) in County Durham have been published, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited infrastructure project.

The Darlington Northern Link Road is designed to divert heavy goods vehicles and commuter traffic away from the A1150 and A167, reducing congestion in residential areas of north Darlington. A public consultation on the proposed routes is scheduled to begin this summer.

While previous studies identified preferred options for a bypass, local authorities commissioned a fresh review to account for post-pandemic traffic patterns, rising construction costs, and new housing developments. The link is viewed as a vital arterial route for the Tees Valley, an industrial heartland in North East England currently seeing significant investment in green energy and logistics.

The new study identifies 12 potential routes, ranging from four to 14 miles. This has now been narrowed to a shortlist of five preferred alignments which will be presented to the public. Officials are also exploring a more ambitious connection directly to Junction 59 of the A1(M) to maximise the road's strategic value.

Following the consultation, an outline business case will be prepared later this year to secure government funding.

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 Borough 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.”