Give Your Views On Plans For New Darlington Northern Link Road

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are being encouraged to have their say on proposals for a new Darlington link road.

Tees Valley Combined Authority has launched a major public consultation on the new road which will provide a vital link between the A66 and A1(M).

The consultation will run from 31 July to 25 September, 2026 and seeks views on whether a new link road is needed and, if so, which route option should be taken forward for further development.

The proposed scheme forms part of wider ambitions to improve connectivity across Darlington and the Tees Valley, tackling congestion, supporting future housing and jobs growth, and improving the quality of life for local communities.

The new route aims to provide improvements to the existing road network, including high levels of freight traffic travelling through residential areas, road safety and congestion.

Three principal options, alongside a number of route variations, have been developed and are now being presented for public feedback.

These include:

A Do Minimum Option

A new single carriageway route of approximately 4km designed to divert traffic away from residential areas in the north of Darlington, with alternative connection options available.

A More Ambitious Option

A longer route of approximately 6.5km, including new crossings over the River Skerne and East Coast Main Line, providing enhanced resilience and connectivity across the network.

Even More Ambitious Options

A combination of additional routes and connections aimed at delivering further congestion relief, improved network resilience and greater opportunities for future growth.

Initial assessments indicate the potential for significant benefits. The Do Minimum Option, for example, could remove more than 10,700 vehicles per day from residential roads, while delivering journey time savings of up to two-and-a-half minutes during peak periods.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are investing in the transport infrastructure needed to support our ambitions for a stronger, better-connected Tees Valley. Darlington’s road network plays a crucial role in connecting people to jobs, education and opportunities, but we know there are longstanding challenges that need to be addressed.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for residents, businesses and road users to tell us what they think. We want to hear local views on whether a new link road is the right solution and which option would work best for Darlington and the wider region.

“No decisions have been made. That’s why it’s vital people take part and help shape the future of transport in and around the town.”

Councillor Steve Harker, TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Digital Infrastructure and Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “Darlington continues to grow and thrive, but with that growth comes additional pressure on our transport network. We need to carefully consider how we improve connectivity while protecting communities and supporting sustainable development.

“The options being consulted on have been developed following detailed technical work. Now we want to hear directly from residents, businesses and community groups about the opportunities, challenges and impacts they see.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in Darlington’s future to take part and have their say.”

People can take part in the consultation by completing the online survey here, or attending one of the in-person consultation events. Details on these will be announced soon.

The consultation closes on 25 September, 2026.

All responses received during the consultation period will be independently analysed and carefully considered.

Feedback will help inform decisions on whether a link road should be progressed and, if so, which route option should be taken forward for further design, assessment and development.

For more information, visit here, or email consultation@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk