DARLINGTON may be in the process of losing its much-maligned 'throughabout', but the failure of that scheme has not stopped Middlesbrough from introducing its own.
Work started last month to convert Darlington's £12m throughabout on Haughton Road back into a conventional roundabout after it was accepted as being inefficient.
However, work is just beginning on creating a new one in Middlesbrough at the A66/A171 Cargo Fleet Junction.
Middlesbrough Council says a throughabout system was chosen after it was found to deliver the greatest benefits of the options tested, effectively negating the impact of traffic growth over the next six years on the operation of the roundabout.
Darlington's throughabout was unpopular with many motorists Picture: Google
Work started on the scheme on Monday and led to long delays for rush hour commuters.
It is scheduled for completion in spring 2020.
Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration, Councillor Ashley Waters, said the 'important scheme' will tackle delays and congestion at the junction of two of the borough’s busiest roads and facilitate future economic growth in the wider area.
He added: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the travelling public whilst works are underway.
The Cargo Fleet Lane roundabout will become a throughabout Picture: Google
"However, given the scale of the scheme and the high volume of traffic that uses the junction on a daily basis, delays on the surrounding road network are inevitable, particularly during the first few days as drivers adjust their travel patterns.
"I would, therefore, ask drivers to allow additional time for their journey, and to exercise caution when passing the works area.”
Tim Nield, construction director of A E Yates Ltd, the scheme contractor, said: “We are very pleased to be working for the people of Middlesbrough and we will do our very best to minimise disruption to the local area and travelling public, during the course of the works.” For full details visit middlesbrough.gov.uk
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