Plans to improve transport links and connectivity in Darlington

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) identified four key areas throughout Darlington where transport infrastructure and links could be improved. 

A consultation was held between July and August to survey people’s views on the suggested changes. 

Darlington Town Centre Connectivity

In the town centre, issues with local bus services were raised. Bus waiting areas have limited space and could be improved, while some buses take longer to get through the town centre.

TVCA said: “While there is limited scope to update bus routes, kerb space and bus waiting areas in the town centre could be reviewed to ensure waiting areas are more attractive and conflicts are reduced. This could contribute to making bus journeys more attractive.”

A review of bus stops and bus service allocations, making them more accessible for residents and workers, was proposed.

Darlington Northern Connectivity: Town Centre to Harrowgate Hill

Harrowgate Hill roundabout, on the A167 in the north of Darlington, is used by buses travelling from Durham, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, and Middlesbrough. 

“This is a busy route for all vehicles, particularly for those travelling to Teesside from north of Darlington,” TVCA said. “As there is a lot of traffic using these routes it can cause congestion and delays at some of the key junctions on the A167.

A167 / Burtree Lane at the White Horse pub and Harrowgate Hill Lodge hotel

Buses often get stuck in congestion during periods of heavy traffic, which can make bus journeys slow and unreliable. Early plans suggest giving buses priority over other vehicles by creating dedicated bus lanes. Traffic could also be restricted to or from side streets to reduce delays. 

(Image: TVCA)

Darlington Eastern Connectivity: Town Centre to Morton Park onward to Teesside International Airport

Yarm Road is already a busy road with major employment sites and other popular destinations including Lidl, Aldi, and the Hippodrome Theatre. Many people use this road to get to Darlington Town Centre, the Rail Station, Morton Business Park and onward travel to Teesside International Airport.

Yarm Road, Parkgate, Neasham Road Roundabout, and McMullen Road have all been identified as areas in need of improvement. Bus lanes have also been suggested for these areas to enable buses to travel more freely. The layouts of junctions and roads could also be improved. 

Darlington Western Connectivity: Town Centre to Faverdale via Cockerton

Proposed works for the west of Darlington are part of a wider vision to improve transport links in the area and include replacing the mini roundabouts at Cockerton with larger roundabouts to reduce delay for all traffic.

The often busy and congested Woodland Road/ West Auckland Road has previously been identified as a key route for investment by local authorities. The plans were consulted on in January 2022 but have since faced delays due to funding pressures.

The existing Cockerton and Woodland Road roundabouts are no longer capable of accommodating the level of traffic on the A68, and the junctions will come under additional pressure as new housing is developed to the North and West.

Buses passing through the roundabouts are often delayed.

Walkers, wheelers, and cyclists often find it difficult to safely cross the busy road.

TVCA said: “The A68 Woodland Road is an important route, and we want to tackle congestion, make public transport more reliable and make it safer and more attractive to walk, wheel and cycle.”

Plans to extend a cycle route from Hollyhurst junction, along Woodland Road, through the Tennis Dene to Deneside Road which will be traffic-calmed, have been consulted on.

“We want to build on these plans to further improve transport links along this route to make walking, wheeling, and cycling more attractive and to reduce delay for buses at key junctions,” TVCA added. 

Further details on the outcome of the consultation are due later this year.