A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to replace a congested town centre roundabout with traffic lights was approved by councillors last night (Tuesday November 5).

The £3.7m plan will see Stonebridge roundabout in Darlington replaced with a traffic light controlled junction.

The “failing” roundabout frequently leaves the town’s motorists frustrated by causing significant tailbacks at busy times.

A predicted increase in traffic as a result of the proposed Feethams development and the new Department for Education building would put more pressure on the already stretched roundabout.

It is hoped that the new scheme will allow traffic to flow more easily around the town centre.

At a cabinet meeting last night, councillors gave their support to the scheme, which will be funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Tees Valley Bus Improvement Project.

Councillor Anne-Marie Curry expressed concerns that the changes could see traffic build up in other areas of the town as a result of drivers trying to avoid traffic lights.

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Bill Dixon, said: “If we get a problem on that roundabout, the road backs up very quickly and we need to do something about it.

“Getting out of Stonebridge is a nightmare. Car drivers are ingenious devils and if there is a rat run around the area, they will find it and use it.

“If that happens, we will take measures to deal with it.”

The scheme will now move to the procurement and construction stage, with work expected to begin early next year and completion estimated in March 2015.