A PROJECT to widen a stretch of the A19 on Teesside could be facing further delays according to an MP.

Alex Cunningham, who represents Stockton North, believes the Government’s fear of overspending on roads project could be hampering the scheme.

The Road Investment Strategy identified plans to widen the A19 Norton to Wynyard Billingham bypass to three lanes between the A139 and the A689, and replace the existing concrete surfacing with a low-noise surface.

He said: “My constituents need this work to be done in order to improve the connectivity in the area and end the incessant noise that plagues residents in the Billingham area. It’s disappointing that once again the North East is treated as a second thought whilst London sees continued investment above and beyond the rest of the country.”

He said the National Audit Office have recently said that 16 routes within the strategy were on hold and being reconsidered to ensure affordability. As a result, he has written to the Department for Transport for assurances that the scheme in Stockton will still be going ahead.