A68 bypass: Five ways new County Durham link road could be built – The Northern Echo

A public consultation has opened on the proposed route in Toft Hill and High Atherley.

The proposed scheme near West Auckland was first mooted after residents called for a bypass to reduce traffic and prevent large vehicles and HGVs from passing through the village.

Durham County Council says the scheme aims to create a better place for residents by eliminating traffic, reducing noise and vibration, improving safety and improving access to local shops and services.

The five routes proposed as part of plans to bypass the A68 in County Durham have been revealed. (Image: Durham County Council)It is also hoped that the scheme will improve the travel experience, weather and road connections for residents traveling to neighboring towns, as well as for freight traffic and long-distance journeys.

The local authority initially outlined six potential bypass options and assessed each in terms of their economic, traffic, safety, environmental and community impacts, but ruled out Route B as it directly affects a number of residential properties.

The proposed options

Route A

The proposal is to widen and upgrade Hartbrigg Lane between the A68 and Ramshaw Lane and build a new road between Ramshaw Lane and the A68 at the western end of Toft Hill.

A new roundabout will replace the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane T-junction. Hartbrigg Lane will be widened to 7.30m for approximately 800m and will connect to a new roundabout linking Ramshaw Lane and the new road. From the roundabout, the new road will run north-west for approximately 900m and join the A68 with a new roundabout, replacing the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction.

The new bypass will cut off the access road from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm. A new access will be built from Toft Hill Lane.

A 3m wide pedestrian/cycle path will be constructed along the route, on the south side of Hartbrigg Lane and the west side of the new road between Ramshaw Lane and the A68.

Route C

The proposal is to build a new road approximately 1600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end the bypass will connect with the A68 via a new roundabout, replacing the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout will connect it to the A68 approximately 80 meters north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.

The new bypass will cut off the access road from the A68 to the property linked to Garth House Farm and White House Farm. A new access will be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm and a new access will also be required for White House Farm.

A 3 meter wide pedestrian/cycle lane will be constructed along the route on the north side of the bypass.

Route D

The proposal is to build a new road approximately 1600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end the bypass will connect with the A68 via a new roundabout, replacing the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout will connect the bypass to the A68 approximately 80m north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.

The new bypass will cut off the access road from the A68 to the property linked to Garth House Farm and White House Farm. A new access will be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm and a new access will also be required for White House Farm.

A 3 meter wide pedestrian/cycle lane will be constructed along the route on the north side of the bypass.

Route E

The proposal is to build a new road approximately 1,600m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end, the bypass will connect to the A68 via a new roundabout, replacing the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout will connect the bypass to the A68 approximately 80m north of the existing A68/Hartbrigg Lane junction.

The new bypass will cut off the access road from the A68 to the property associated with Garth House Farm. A new access will be built from Toft Hill Lane.

A 3 meter wide pedestrian/cycle lane will be constructed along the route on the north side of the bypass.

Route F

The proposal is to build a new road approximately 1400m long and 7.30m wide. At its north-west end the bypass will connect with the A68 via a new roundabout, replacing the existing A68/Toft Hill Lane T-junction. At its south-east end, a new roundabout will connect the bypass with the A68 approximately 80 meters south of the junction with Greenfields Road. Approximately 300m of road will be constructed to the east of the new roundabout to realign Greenfields Road and connect to the new roundabout.

The new bypass will cut off the access road from the A68 to the property linked to Garth House Farm and White House Farm. A new access will be built from Toft Hill Lane for Garth House Farm and a new access will also be required for White House Farm.

A 3 meter wide pedestrian/cycle lane will be constructed along the route on the north side of the bypass.

Recommended reading:

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

The consultation process is open until 5pm on Friday 29 November. Click here to take part in the consultation or for more details.