Darlington roads hit by works and closures on Thursday

Here are the works and closures in and around the town that you should be aware of this Thursday:

Blackwell: Major Gas Works and Road Closure

One of the largest ongoing schemes is at Blackwell, where Northern Gas Networks is carrying out extensive repair and replacement works.

This project, affecting the stretch from the junction with Bridge Road to the junction with Carmel Road South, is set to continue with a full road closure until April 15.

The works aim to replace existing gas mains with new polyethylene piping.

These works are considered major and impact the footway, carriageway, and verge, affecting a busy part of the road network. 

Carmel Road South: Lane Closures for Gas Network Upgrades

Carmel Road South is also experiencing significant utility maintenance by Northern Gas Networks.

Maintenance on this main road began on March 9 and will be ongoing until June 16, with lane closures in effect.

The works involve abandoning over 1,400 metres of older cast iron gas main and replacing them with modern polyethylene.

Multiple connections, relays, and transfers are included in this phase, and the footway, carriageway, and verge will all be impacted.

Drivers using Carmel Road South should expect significant delays as only a single lane will be accessible in places.

Clifton Road and Belvedere Road Back Street: Sewer Lining Works

Northumbrian Water is undertaking sewer lining works to the rear of 131 Clifton Road and Clifton Road West Back.

The road will be closed from March 25 to March 26. These works are major but do not require excavation.

Brighton Road and Belgrave Street Back Street: Emergency Water Repairs

Urgent repairs are taking place at the rear of 41 Brighton Road and Belgrave Street Back Street after a leak was identified.

Northumbrian Water’s works started on March 23 and are scheduled to run to March 27, with full road closures in place.

This work requires excavation at the existing boundary box to renew fittings, and the closure may cause inconvenience for local residents and businesses in the DL1 4AR area.

Victoria Road North Back: New Gas Service Connection

Northern Gas Networks has been granted permission for new service connection works at the rear of 119 Hotel, Victoria Road North Back.

These works will require a major road closure from March 23 to April 1.

Two metres of new gas service will be laid in the carriageway and footway. Access will be restricted during this time.

Geneva Road: Traffic Signals for Sewer Monitoring

On March 26, Northumbrian Water will be maintaining the sewer sensor outside 233 and 235 Geneva Road using two-way traffic signals.

Abbey Road: Ongoing Highway Improvements

Darlington Borough Council is in the midst of major improvement works on Abbey Road, with a road closure from Carmel Road North junction to just past Neville Road junction until April 17.

The scheme includes a new speed table installation and footway improvements as part of a multi-phase project.

Crown Street: Urgent Closure Due to Sinkhole

Crown Street is closed outside Sports Direct due to a sinkhole.

Darlington Borough Council is conducting an investigation, with works started on March 22 and set to last until March 27.

Further Road Closures and Traffic Controls

Pateley Moor Crescent is scheduled for major sewer cleansing works by Northumbrian Water, with a closure from March 26 to March 27.

Salters Lane North is seeing works by Northern Powergrid with stop/go boards in place until April 10.

Rotary Way and Faverdale are both affected by major works involving the use of multi-way signals, while Harrowgate Village and Beaumont Hill remain under long-term closures for highways improvement.

Advice to Motorists

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Delays and diversions will be in place across several areas of Darlington while essential utility and infrastructure works continue.

Residents may wish to check council updates for the latest information on road closures and alternative routes.