THE completion of a scheme to cut congestion for drivers travelling on one of the region’s busiest roads will prove a significant boost, it has been claimed.

Motorists and Darlington Borough Council leaders said work to introduce a third lane on the B6280 approach to Morton Palms roundabout on the A66 had immediately provided benefits.

The authority’s leisure and local environment portfolio holder Councillor Paul Howell has also welcomed the completion of the scheme, which was part of the £220 million Congestion Relief Fund the Government announced in March 2017.

He said the pinch point at the roundabout which links retail parks to the A66 had done “nothing to help people reach their workplaces or attract visitors”.

Cllr Howell said: “We are the gateway to the Tees Valley and we want to maintain that. Tackling congestion will be high up on the council’s agenda because we want Darlington seen as being open for business.”

He said while he hoped to tackle other congestion hotspots in the borough, it would be necessary to fully understand the possible implications of road changes so as to not push problems elsewhere.

Highways England, which managed the scheme, said the work was designed to reduce tailbacks and improve journeys times in the area.

The work started in mid-February, and saw overnight carriageway closures on the eastbound approach to the roundabout. BT also made use of the closures and spent five weeks on site moving a manhole.

Highways England’s project manager Steven Cox said the third lane had provided a dedicated lane for drivers travelling in each direction, which had led to reduced queues at the junction.

He said: “I am delighted with the feedback we have received from drivers in Darlington – people have been in touch with very positive comments about traffic flowing smoothly, significantly reduced congestion and lanes being clearly marked. I also want to thank everyone for their patience over the last four months.”