HIGHWAYS bosses are in talks with landowners as plans to build Darlington's £5.7m eastern transport corridor continue.
The Highways Agency has told Darlington Borough Council it is now satisfied with the scheme, which was formally given planning permission by councillors earlier this year.
And, while talks with landowners continue, the council's highways engineers are putting together the detailed plans for the road, which will link Haughton Road with the A66 bypass.
The scheme is aimed at easing traffic through Haughton village and Great Burdon and will incorporate two new roundabouts, two T-junctions and a bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
It is hoped the road will be open in 2004.
Speaking about the approval of the Highways Agency, a council spokeswoman said: "This is our first firm step forward.
"We are now in the process of talking to landowners and our engineers are working on detailed designs."
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