New traffic system in Tees Valley ‘cuts driving delays’

The scheme, part of the Tees Valley Fusion project, uses real-time digital technology to optimise traffic signals and improve network flow based on live road conditions.

New data reveals the system has saved 5,000 travel hours over 12 months at just six monitored sites, the equivalent of more than 200 days—or six-and-a-half months—of time saved for drivers.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “By using new technology to tackle congestion head-on, we’re cutting journey times, easing frustration for drivers, and helping people get where they need to be quicker.

“These are real, measurable results—the equivalent of more than six months of waiting time wiped away.

“It shows how we’re using innovation to build a transport network that works better for motorists across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool.”

The region-wide FUSION scheme, supported by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, operates across 57 coordinated sites and 196 traffic signals.

It uses Yunex Traffic FUSION Technology to automatically adjust signal timings in response to real-time road conditions.

Travel time reductions at specific locations include 2,780 hours saved at the A174 Parkway Junction, 715 hours near Norton Road in Stockton, and 575 hours close to Hart Lane in Hartlepool.

Other improvements were recorded near Ayresome Street in Middlesbrough (255 hours), York Road in Hartlepool (365 hours), and the South Stockton Bypass A135/A66 junction (300 hours).

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has invested more than £2 million in the FUSION project and its related Digital Twin scheme, both designed to modernise and improve the efficiency of local transport infrastructure.

Delivery has involved close collaboration with the Urban Traffic Management and Control Centre and local authority partners.

Councillor Steve Harker, TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure and leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “These results show how we are already harnessing technology to improve our road network.

“By working closely with our local authority partners, we’re making better use of the infrastructure we already have—and adding to it to help us keep traffic moving more efficiently to deliver benefits to everyone on our roads across the Tees Valley.”