Work to improve three key junctions along the A167 at Newton Aycliffe are now largely complete and all junctions are now fully open.
Improvements at Rushyford Roundabout, Central Avenue and Ricknall Lane will improve road capacity to help facilitate the planned housing development at the Copelaw site.
The upgrades, partially delivered by Durham County Council, were possible thanks to £7.135m of funding from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund which will help towards unlocking the site for future development.
Situated to the east of Newton Aycliffe, the Copelaw site was allocated in the County Durham Plan in 2020 and is being brought forward in partnership with the Church Commissioners for England.
The development would see the construction of 1,435 new homes, including 92 extra care apartments, a local centre and a primary school with a planning application for the site currently pending determination.
The site is surrounded by agricultural land and the development would provide pedestrian and cycle routes through the area, as well as open space and landscaping.
More information on the infrastructure works can be viewed at https://www.durham.gov.uk/A167upgrade and the full application can be viewed on the council’s planning portal.
Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s member for economy and partnership, said: “It’s fantastic to see work finally completed on these improvements to the A167, and progress being made toward facilitating this major housing development.
“Improved road capacity at these junctions will go a long way towards reducing congestion and improving safety, while also paving the way for improved connections to the Copelaw development and surrounding areas.
“I want to thank all road users and residents for their patience while this work was being carried out.”
Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding for Homes England, said: “Funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund has enabled the council to make vital improvements to the A167 in Newton Aycliffe.
“The completion of these work mark a significant moment for the Copelaw project and an excellent example of how we are helping local authority partners like Durham County Council to create new homes and thriving places people can be proud of.”