Nearly £40m of improvements planned for A689 in and around Hartlepool

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has submitted a bid to secure £33.8m of funding from the Government as part of nearly £40m of planned improvements to the road.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has submitted the outline business case for the cash after a survey found that eight out of 10 people were in favour of work taking place.

The scheme includes a package of junction improvements, including the A19 junction at Wynyard, as well as further smaller upgrades around Hartlepool.

It also includes a package of cycling and walking improvements that would see “a continuous, high-quality route between Sedgefield and Hartlepool”.

The plans aim to make journeys quicker and safer for local people and enhance connectivity for freight, as well as help unlock further development and encourage cycling and waking by upgrading the network around Wynyard, Billingham, Hartlepool and nearby villages.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The A689 is a key route that provides critical links for local people and businesses but is hit with congestion, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

“As more businesses are attracted to our area thanks to our successful freeport bid which includes a number of key sites in Hartlepool and as Teesside Airport continues to take off, traffic will only increase and it’s important that this doesn’t hold back the growth we’re working hard to create across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Our plans will make sure we give local people the safe, reliable transport network that they deserve, clearing traffic blackspots that have for too long blighted our communities."

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.