Darlington Northern Link Road Consultation
Closing Date: 25th September 2026
Location: Darlington
Travel
Closing Date: 25th September 2026
Location: Darlington
Travel
Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) is consulting on proposals for a new link road to improve east-west connectivity between Tees Valley and the A1(M). The proposals aim to reduce the impact of through-traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, on residential routes in north Darlington.
The A66, A1150 and A167 are important routes connecting Darlington with the A1(M) and the wider strategic road network. Some of these roads pass through residential areas and carry both local traffic and longer-distance journeys, including freight.
Existing issues include congestion, slower and less reliable journey times, limited alternative routes, road safety concerns and impacts on local communities such as noise, vibration and air quality.
Previous studies identified a preferred route for a Darlington Northern Link Road, but further work is needed due to changes in the planning and transport context, including post-Covid traffic patterns and new residential proposals that may affect future traffic flows and scheme benefits. Consultation is now needed to help identify a solution that improves connectivity between the A66 and A1(M), a priority in the Tees Valley Strategic Economic Plan (2016–2026), particularly along the A66 corridor between the A1(M) and Teesport, supporting economic growth and access to jobs and services.
An Options Assessment Report (OAR), published in April 2026 and prepared in line with Department for Transport appraisal guidance, considered a range of options to address transport and connectivity issues. Initially 12 potential options were identified; four were ruled out at the first sift, eight were assessed further, and three were later discounted due to cost thresholds and weaker overall performance against economic, traffic, safety and environmental impacts.
Following the OAR report, updated guidance and stakeholder input, two principal options, or variations of options, have been taken forward for further assessment and public consultation.
Two main route options are being considered, alongside variants that could form more ambitious combinations. These options have been developed following previous studies and the OAR report of April 2026.
A new single carriageway road approximately 4 km long and 7.3 m wide, which would redirect strategic traffic travelling between the A66 and the A1(M) (northbound) away from Darlington’s northern residential areas. At its southern end, the route would tie into the A66 at Little Burdon roundabout, where modifications would be required to accommodate an additional arm and associated junction upgrades.
The alignment would run to the south of the River Skerne and broadly follow the corridor identified for the proposed Skerningham Garden Village through-route. Along its length, the route would incorporate several new roundabouts to provide access and connectivity, with a total of five roundabouts proposed.
At its northern end, the route would connect to the A167 via a new roundabout located to the north of Beaumont Hill. Traffic would then continue along the existing A167 to access the A1(M) at Junction 59 – options to improve the A167 towards the A1(M)will also be explored.
A variant of the Do Minimum option would follow the same alignment apart from at its southern end, the route would tie into the A1150 to the west of Little Burdon roundabout via a new roundabout, providing a connection to the existing highway network.
For an enlarged version of the map, please click here.
A new single carriageway road approximately 6.5 km long and 7.3 m wide, which would redirect strategic traffic travelling between the A66 and the A1(M) (northbound) away from Darlington’s northern residential areas. At its southern end, the route would tie into the A66 at Little Burdon roundabout, where modifications would be required to accommodate an additional arm and associated junction upgrades.
The alignment would broadly follow a corridor to the north of the River Skerne for part of its length before crossing the River Skerne and the East Coast Main Line railway to the south of Coatham Mundeville via new bridge structures. At its northern end, the route would connect into the A167 to the south of Coatham Mundeville. Traffic would then continue north along the existing A167 to access the A1(M) at Junction 59 – options to improve the A167 towards the A1(M) will also be explored.
This iteration of the previously named Option 1C differs from the OAR, as it is now consistent with the East Coast Main Line bridge as set out in the local design guide.
For an enlarged version of the map, please click here.
For an enlarged version of the map, please click here.
For an enlarged version of the map, please click here.
For an enlarged version of the table, please click here.
Each option has different potential impacts on habitats, floodplains, watercourses, heritage features and local communities. Your feedback will help us understand these issues and consider them as the proposals develop.
We want to hear your views on whether a link road is needed and what you think about the route options. All comments received during the consultation will be reviewed and used to inform future decisions.
You can respond by completing the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/DarlingtonNorthLink, sending an email to consultation@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or attending one of our public consultation events listed below.
The locations on google maps are hyperlinked as follows: Darlington Golf Club, Harrowgate Club & Institute Ltd, Whessoe Parish Hall, Asda Darlington Superstore.
Responses will be considered alongside technical assessment work to help decide whether a link road should progress and which route option should be taken forward. Further updates will be shared on this consultation page.
If you have any questions, email consultation@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or call 01325 792 600.
Join us on social media for the latest news
