Elwick bypass latest as 'minor alterations' are proposed and Hartlepool Borough Council prepares to discuss £25m-plus plans
Updated plans have been lodged for a long-awaited new access road into Hartlepool as officers are also set to provide a report on the scheme's progress.
Proposals were approved by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee in January 2024 for the construction of a new “grade separated” junction linked to the A19.
The Hartlepool Western Link project, previously labelled the Elwick bypass, features the construction of a circular ramped slip road, a bridge and a new highway north of Elwick Village connecting to existing roads.
An application has now been lodged by local authority officers to vary some elements of the approved £25m-plus proposals.
A design and access statement notes “as a result of landowner discussions and new developments since planning permission was granted, minor alterations are proposed” to the scheme.
The changes include some modifications to approved access tracks as well as additional access tracks to facilitate landowner access, a new field bridge and a new underpass.
The watercourse alignment is also clarified, including a change to allow connection with the existing watercourse, while details of two approved field bridges are also being submitted.
The design and access statement added: “It is not believed that there would be additional significant effects because of these proposed changes.”
A decision on the application is expected to be made in March 2026.
It comes officers stressed at a recent council neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee meeting that bringing the Elwick western link road project forward is key to helping ease highways pressures in the area.
Kieran Bostock, council director for neighbourhoods and regulatory services, speaking at the meeting, said: “The project that we need to get off the ground, and we’re working desperately hard to do so, is the new link road bypassing the Elwick village.
“That will take off an awful lot of pressure off the A179, so that remains the council’s key priority for improving both access and egress into Hartlepool and reducing pressure on the A179.”
The road is also expected to reduce the number of vehicles using Elwick as a short cut to the A19.
He added an update report on the project would be coming before the committee at its December meeting.
A presentation to councillors in November 2024 noted the expected completion date for the scheme is December 2028.