Why A67 into Darlington has had speed limit reduced to 40mph

A section of the A67 - which connects the town to Teesside Airport, Eaglescliffe, and Yarm - has recently seen a reduction from the national speed limit to 40mph. 

The new limit is from a point 100m east of the Mill Lane Roundabout to around 70m east of the Teesside Airport and Long Newton Road roundabout. 

The new rules are also in place for approximately 450m north and 50m south from the A67 roundabout onto Yarm Road, which leads into Middleton-St-George. 

The road was previously 60mph (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Darlington Council applied for the change in early July, saying it is necessary to allow for a safe working area and access to sites for construction of a rising main by Northumbrian Water.

New 40mph signs are now in place along the stretch, as well as signs warning people of the construction site entrance. 

The change came into force on July 29 this year and is expected to last for 18 months. 

Northumbrian Water is currently carrying out various works across the region in a £16m bid to enhance the sewer network across Teesside. 

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Construction began in March on a £11.2m 9km pipeline, which will connect Long Newton with Middleton One Row, via Goosebeck, due to run for one year. 

This sees specialist engineering contractors working with the water firm and its partner Esh-Stantec to tunnel beneath the A67, the Northern Line railway and the historic route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Elsewhere, in Yarm, work is continuing on a £4.8m 3km pipeline that will connect the company’s sewage treatment works at Kirklevington with a pumping station in Yarm. This is due to be completed in March 2025.