RESIDENTS have been waiting for more than 60 years for the Chilton bypass, in County Durham, to be built.
The bypass was proposed for the first time in 1939 - when there were very few vehicles on the roads.
Only now does it look like the bypass will become reality, thanks to the Government's £7m cash injection.
Chilton is bisected by the busy A167 road - the old A1 - which runs from North Yorkshire to Tyne and Wear.
The volume of traffic has increased to the point where about 126,000 vehicles a week pass through the village.
It is hoped that the new road, which still needs approval from Durham County Council, would go some way to reducing the number of vehicles, particularly heaving lorries, passing through the village.
Margaret Taylor, of the Chilton West Residents' Association, said: "The amount of traffic coming through this village is ridiculous and we are pleased the money has been set aside for the bypass."
The only stumbling block could be that the proposed route goes through where houses currently stand, and there will undoubtedly be opposition from people living there
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article