The five proposed routes as part of plans for an A68 bypass in County Durham have been revealed.
A public consultation has opened into the proposed route at Toft Hill and High Etherley.
The proposed scheme near West Auckland was first mooted after residents called for a bypass to reduce traffic and prevent large vehicles and HGVs from travelling through the village.
Durham County Council says the scheme aims to create a better place for residents by removing through traffic, reducing noise and vibration, improving safety and improving access to local shops and services.
The local authority initially outlined six potential bypass options and assessed each in terms of their economic, traffic, safety, environmental and community impacts but ruled out Route B as it directly affects a number of residential properties.
The proposed options
Route A
The proposal is to widen and upgrade Hartbrigg Lane between the A68 and Ramshaw Lane and build a new road between Ramshaw Lane and the A68 at the west end of Toft Hill.
A new roundabout would replace the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane T-junction. Hartbrigg Lane would be widened to 7.30m for approximately 800m and link to a new roundabout connecting to Ramshaw Lane and the new road. From the roundabout, the new road would run north-west for approximately 900m, and connect to the A68 with a new roundabout which would replace the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction.
The new bypass would cut the access track from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm. New access would be built from Toft Hill Lane.
A 3m wide footpath/cycleway would be built along the length of the route, on the south side of Hartbrigg Lane, and the west side of the new road between Ramshaw Lane and the A68.
Route C
The proposal is to build a new road which would be approximately 1,600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end, the bypass would link to the A68 by a new roundabout which would replace the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout would connect it to the A68 approximately 80m north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.
The new bypass would cut the access track from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm and White House Farm. New access would be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm, and new access would also be needed for White House Farm.
A 3m wide footpath/cycleway would be built along the length of the route on the north side of the bypass.
Route D
The proposal is to build a new road which would be approximately 1,600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end, the bypass would link to the A68 by a new roundabout which would replace the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout would connect the bypass to the A68 approximately 80m north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.
The new bypass would cut the access track from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm and White House Farm. New access would be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm, and new access would also be needed for White House Farm.
A 3m wide footpath/cycleway would be built along the length of the route on the north side of the bypass.
Route E
The proposal is to build a new road which would be approximately 1,600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end, the bypass would link to the A68 by a new roundabout which would replace the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout would connect the bypass to the A68 approximately 80m north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.
The new bypass would cut the access track from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm. New access would be built from Toft Hill Lane.
A 3m wide footpath/cycleway would be built along the length of the route on the north side of the bypass.
Route F
The proposal is to build a new road which would be approximately 1,400m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end, the bypass would link to the A68 by a new roundabout which would replace the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout would connect the bypass to the A68 approximately 80m south of the junction with Greenfields Road. To the east of the new roundabout, approximately 300m of road would be built to realign Greenfields Road and link it into the new roundabout.
The new bypass would cut the access track from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm and White House Farm. New access would be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm, and new access would also be needed for White House Farm.
A 3m wide footpath/cycleway would be built along the length of the route on the north side of the bypass.
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The consultation process is open until 5pm on Friday, November 29. Click here to take part in the consultation, or for further details.
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