Local people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can rejoice as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen secures a whopping £85m investment for the repair of potholes and resurfacing of roads across the region, with work already underway on the A66 between Teesside Park and the Riverside Stadium.

The announcement came during Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent visit to Darlington, where Mayor Houchen was praised for his outstanding record of delivery and his dedication to securing the funding required to fix the region’s crumbling road network.

Speaking about the investment, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said, “I am proud to have secured this significant investment in our region’s infrastructure. Within weeks of the announcement, work is already underway to repair the A66, a major artery that helps people travel across Teesside every day. This is a major issue that local people raise with me every day, and we are dealing with it head-on. We’re about action not words and while we’re securing major investment across our region, from the Treasury in Darlington to the Freeport in Redcar – it’s also important to make sure our roads are safe, of good quality and can be used by the hundreds of thousands of local people who use the A66 every day.”

Mayor Houchen went on to thank the Prime Minister and the government for their support, stating that the funding would have a significant impact on the lives of local people and businesses alike.

Simon Clarke, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said: “I am thrilled to see that the government’s investment of £85m to fix the potholes on the A66 is already making a difference.

“The safety of our roads is a top priority, and this funding will go a long way in ensuring that drivers can travel safely and smoothly.”

Jacob Young, Member of Parliament for Redcar said: “The A66 is a crucial route for our region, and it’s fantastic to see that the government is taking action to fix the potholes that have caused so much frustration for drivers.

“This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and creating a better environment for businesses and communities to thrive.”

Matt Vickers, Member of Parliament for Stockton South said: “I’m thrilled by the Government’s investment of £85 million funding boost secured to tackle potholes, including those on the A66.

“Potholes are an absolute nuisance to residents, slowing down and disrupting journeys daily. They can cause expensive damage if not dealt with, especially on fast roads like this one.

“This funding will mean we can keep our roads fit for purpose and restore some pride in Stockton’s streets”

The repair of potholes and the resurfacing of roads is a top priority for local Conservatives, who have made it their mission to improve the region’s infrastructure and make it easier for people to get around ahead of local elections next month. The investment is set to create jobs and boost economic growth in the area, as well as improving the quality of life for local residents.

Mayor Houchen’s commitment to delivering for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool has been unwavering, and this latest announcement is just one of many examples of his dedication to making a positive difference in the region.

With work already underway, the A66 between Teesside Park and the Riverside Stadium is set to be a much smoother and safer journey for the thousands of people who rely on it every day.

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