Darlington A68 plan will go ahead despite failed cash bid

Darlington Borough Council has confirmed the scheme to upgrade a busy section of the A68 in Cockerton has not been affected by its failed levelling up bid earlier this month.

The town’s bid asked for extra funding for the A68 project and Victoria Road/ Skerne underpass upgrades. Although the government declined the bid, the council says it remains hopeful the schemes will go ahead. 

The plans for the Cockerton and Woodland Road/Carmel Road North roundabouts have been designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, improve pedestrian safety and hope they will encourage people to walk and cycle.

An aerial photo of Woodland/ Staindrop Road when the plans were revealed in January 2022 (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

They were first revealed in January 2022, and included several public consultation events to gauge local opinion, but have been changed in line with local complaints.

However, the council is yet to secure full funding to start the redevelopment and is currently restricted until it is received. 

Cllr Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “Whilst it is disappointing that we were unsuccessful in securing levelling up funding, we are progressing the A68 roundabouts scheme and looking into other potential funding opportunities. 

“This means when funding is secured, we will be in a position to move on with the scheme.”

An aerial photo of Cockerton when the plans were revealed in January 2022 (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

Other changes to the roads could include a pedestrian crossing in front of Cockerton Library as well as verge hardening on West Auckland Road, to tackle parking issues. Design drawings also show space for designated cycle lanes on the pavements at the proposed double roundabout section. 

A former family home was selected to be demolished as part of the plans to provide space for the improvement works at the junction of Woodland Road, Staindrop Road and Carmel Road North. 

The scheme has been assessed by independent highways and traffic modelling consultants who say the remodelled roundabouts are needed in the area and will create sufficient additional capacity for future years without compromising the road network.