Plans to redevelop Darlington A68 roundabouts to start

Darlington Borough Council has announced plans to start works on the A68 at Woodland Road and West Auckland Road. 

The work is part of an overall plan to create a safe walking and cycling route from the town centre to West Park and Faverdale, and to improve bus journey times. 

The plan also includes the second phase of work to create a safe cycle route on Woodland Road, due to start in early 2026, and improvements to roundabouts at Cockerton, Staindrop Road and Woodland Road.

The plans for the Cockerton and Woodland Road/Carmel Road North roundabouts have been designed to (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

A further phase to continue the active travel route through Cockerton to the Brinkburn Road junction will be developed later in 2026. 

Although the redevelopment was first revealed in January 2022, the council’s plans hit a stalemate due to a lack of funding. A previous bid to fund the scheme as part of the Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund was refused in 2023

A funding package is now being put together, including contributions from developers, to improve the roundabouts at Woodland Road and Staindrop Road. 

A planning application submitted by the council includes the demolition of a property at 267 Carmel Road – which is owned by the council – rebuilding a retaining wall, removing trees close to the property and diverting utility services.

If planning permission is granted, the demolition work will start in spring 2026 and is expected to take up to 24 weeks. 

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “This is an exciting investment in improving our road network, especially for those using more sustainable forms of transport.

“The demolition of 267 Carmel Road is necessary to make these essential improvements. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and I would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the work.”

Some footpaths will be closed during the work, the council said, but alternative routes will be signposted. The two mini roundabouts in the area will remain open for traffic, including buses, throughout the work, but some lanes may be closed.