NORTH-East politicians have welcomed the government’s pledge of almost half a million pounds towards plans for a new road crossing over the River Tees.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has lobbied strongly for a new crossing to ease traffic on the A19 in Middlesbrough and improve travel times for businesses and commuters.

The A19 carries 96,000 vehicles a day at the point it crosses the River Tees, compared to 43,000 carried by the A1 at the same point, which the Authority says illuminates the need for a second crossing to ease the A19’s congestion.

Following the infrastructure investments announced in last week’s Autumn Statement – including a dual carriageway upgrade for the A66 – the government has now pledged £450,000 to progress the Tees crossing plans.

The investment is a further success for local major scheme bids following additional funding for the improved east-west road connectivity from the A1(M) to Teesport announced in the Autumn Statement.

Cllr Bill Dixon, lead member for transport at Tees Valley Combined Authority, is pleased with the development.

He said: “This marks an important step forward for two of our transformational transport priorities.

“They will deliver better connectivity and benefits for the entire North region and wider, and we are pleased this has been recognised at a national level.

“The two major projects will not happen overnight and it will take time for them to be delivered but the additional resource will help accelerate the projects to the next stage.

“The Combined Authority will continue to work closely with decision makers, regionally and nationally, to ensure that transport connectivity across the Tees Valley is a priority.”

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald also welcomed the news, saying: “Teessiders are very much aware of the congestion and regular disruption on the A19 flyover.

“The new crossing, therefore, is one important element of the transport plan for Tees Valley. Whilst this is only the feasibility study for a second crossing of the river, it is nevertheless good to see the process getting underway.”

However, Mr McDonald warned that the Government has a “track record” of announcing investment in the region and not moving fast enough.

He added “:The proof will be in its delivery but this is undoubtedly good news.”

The Government has also pledged millions to help local councils fix potholes. The North-East region is set to receive £3.9m to fix around 74,000 potholes and North Yorkshire is in for more than £2m to repair around 44,000 potholes.