Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Green light for new road in Darlington

Transport Minister Gillian Merron today granted funding approval for a new £12M, 3km, single carriageway road linking the A66 (the Eastern Bypass of Darlington) with the B6297 on its approaches to Darlington Town Centre.

The scheme is designed to achieve economic regeneration in the east of Darlington by providing the necessary access to key development sites in the Borough that do not currently benefit from adequate highway servicing arrangements. It also provides considerable environmental and safety benefits to nearby residential and retail communities as well as vastly improved cycling and walking facilities in the east of the urban area.

Gillian Merron said:

"This Government recognises the important role that transport networks play in supporting economic prosperity, and maximising the role which transport can play in improving business success, including tackling geographical peripherality, opening up new areas for development and facilitating the efficient movement of goods.

"The Darlington Eastern Transport Corridor scheme will bring considerable traffic reduction and environmental benefits to residential communities in the east of the town. It will also help people travel to work, carry out business in Darlington and have better access to leisure and recreational facilities. I have today agreed for the Department to provide a contribution of £12.040m towards the cost of the scheme."

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