Tees Valley Mayor | Published on: 19th October 2017
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed the announcement that more than £8 million from the Department for Transport has been awarded to three essential transport projects in the region which were put forward by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced £2.95 million towards the introduction of a ‘throughabout’ as part of the A66/A171 Cargo Fleet Roundabout improvement scheme in Middlesbrough. This project will reduce congestion at, and includes a new cycle and pedestrian crossing.
The minister unveiled £3.37 million to improve the connectivity of the Darlington Growth and Enterprise Zone, which will help to unlock around 1,000 homes and 5,000 new jobs, with improvements between the Central Park area and the A66.
He also announced £2 million for the Swans Corner to Flatts Lane improvement in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, to alleviate congestion at the A171 Swans Corner roundabout, with the introduction of a signalised managed junction.
The funding for the three projects in Tees Valley is from the National Productivity Investment Fund. The projects are among 76 schemes to be funded with £345.3 million nationally.
The Government funding is being met with local contributions, with £1.017 million, £1.3 million, and £600,000 being invested by Middlesbrough, Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland Councils respectively.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “These may be small projects, but they’ll make a big difference to the lives of thousands across the Tees Valley.
“This £8 million investment to relieve key pinch points will ensure people can get to and from work in good time, and that local businesses can trade, create employment and improve productivity.”
“Upgrading our road network is a key part of my Plan for Growth. Whether they’re big projects like a new bypass for Darlington and a new Tees Crossing, or smaller improvements like these, I’m fighting for investment at every opportunity.”
Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “This government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and investing a record £23 billion on our roads to increase capacity and improve journeys.
“These schemes will provide much needed upgrades to essential local roads up and down the country, cutting congestion, improving safety and shortening journey times for drivers.
“They will also help boost regional economic growth by unlocking jobs and supporting vital new housing development.
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