Operation to record journeys for major projects gets underway

A major operation to record traffic flows and passenger numbers is underway to shape how major transport projects are developed.

Survey equipment is being installed on roads, in car parks, and at key junctions to assess activity across our region’s travel network from December to February.

Counts will also take place to record numbers of passengers boarding buses and trains.

The data will inform a model to be used by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and the local councils in understanding the implications of upcoming major transport infrastructure schemes across the road and rail networks.  

This information will only be used for creating the transport model and subsequent schemes.

Major road schemes including a Darlington Relief Road, improvements to key congestion hotspots on the A66, and efforts to tackle pinch points on the A689 will all be shaped by the data gathered.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve game-changing transport changes in our sights across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“And we’ve shown we can deliver big projects like a new Hartlepool Station, the ongoing Darlington Station transformation and turning around Teesside Airport.

“Getting these projects over the line needs this invaluable information. This huge effort will help bring an end to hated rush-hour crawls and late-running buses – and strengthen our arm when it comes to bringing new and improved services on our road and rail networks.”

Automatic traffic counts, manual traffic counts and car park surveys – including interviews with drivers – will all form part of the operation.

Queues at troublesome junctions will also be monitored as well as footfall through the Tees Valley’s railway stations, and numbers boarding and leaving our region’s buses and trains.

Steve Harker, leader of the council and cabinet member for transport, added: “This information will prove invaluable in developing the region’s transport priorities and should offer important insight into how our population gets around.”

For more information on the projects underway and planned in the Tees Valley, go to: Travel & Transport in Tees Valley