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 Combined Authority
and the local authorities 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.
Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough 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
