A huge package of vital transport projects to transform the region has been revealed by the Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, following a funding boost of £1 billion from the scrapping of HS2.
This represents the largest investment of money by the mayor in six years in office, with the money being earmarked to improve road, rail and bus travel across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool.
Following a number of projects already made public, the mayor has announced a headline pledge to bring 15 electric trackless trams to serve Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Darlington town centres.
This was joined by a £60 million allocation of cash to revolutionise travel in the region by investing in transport technology to reduce traffic and journey times for drivers as well as building the infrastructure for autonomous vehicles.
Money has also been pencilled in for and the A689 road scheme between Hartlepool and Stockton, alongside money for the next phase of a new Tees flyover.
This joins money for a park and ride facility and transport hub as part of a £40 million overhaul of South Bank railway station to make it full accessible to service the thousands of local jobs being created on the Teesworks site.
A £20 million boost for British Steel lorry park has also been promised in the wake of the announcement that a return of steelmaking is on the way – with £40 million to boost efforts to complete vital gauge clearance work for freight on the Eaglescliffe to Northallerton railway line also supporting the development of trade through the Teesside Freeport.
Subject to Cabinet approval, a much-needed relief road to help ease Darlington’s rush-hour blues will also receive a £250 million boost as well as £30 million for the revitalisation of Middlesbrough’s iconic Transporter Bridge. Middlesbrough will also see vital work on the A66 commence.
Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: “We have an ambitious package of improvements planned which will revolutionise travel across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool. Not only will these projects make a positive difference to everyone’s day to day travel, but they will also boost our continued plan to make our region an economic powerhouse with access to good, well-paid, long-term jobs.
“Be it at Darlington Station, Middlesbrough Station, or at our airport, we can show a record of delivery – but now we can offer the promise of much, much more for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
A new train station and bus interchange for Teesside Park and the Tees Marshalling Yards, at Stockton, will also receive £150 million, while £20 million will be put into rebuilding Teesside Airport railway station.
Money has also been set aside to assure Middlesbrough’s third platform is fully funded at pace, paving the way for more direct trains to London. The £40 million would provide a new platform and additional track and signalling to enable increased use of the carriage sidings.
To find out more please visit http://www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
