TEES Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has progressed plans for a new crossing over the River Tees by committing £24m and has urged the government to remain committed to funding the infrastructure project, despite the uncertainty caused by coronavirus.

After two years of work, Mayor Houchen submitted the final business case to the Department for Transport last October. The plan includes a new two-lane northern viaduct, an extra southbound lane and a widening of the A66 between Teesside Park and the viaduct.

The ambitious transformational project was backed by the Government during last year's General Election. In November during a campaign visit to the SubSea Innovation factory Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the Government fully backed the scheme.

Mayor Houchen’s funding commitment comes after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in his last Budget a £4.2 billion, five-year transport funding settlements for the eight Mayoral Combined Authorities. As part of this Mayor Houchen is aiming to secure extra transport cash totalling £344.5m.

Mayor Houchen said: “The coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact on all our lives and while I remain focused on making sure the health and wellbeing of everyone in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is protected, we need to make sure we deliver on my plan to make sure our region gets the cash we deserve so we can create more local jobs.

"A new crossing is vital so that the hard-working people of our region can quickly and easily get from A to B. It will mean our amazing businesses can focus more on doing what they do so well without having to worry about delays and congestion and it will attract more investment and create more jobs if we have better connectivity throughout our region. More investment and more businesses in our region means more good quality, well paid local jobs. That’s why I’m backing this truly transformational project with the cash it needs.

“Government has rightly provided unprecedented levels of support in response to coronavirus. This support means that when we come through this crisis Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool will be able to move forward once again from a good position. The Government has been very supportive of a new Tees Crossing, recognising the important role a new crossing over the River Tees would play in boosting our economy."