5 days ago
Improvements to key A167 junctions in Newton Aycliffe now complete
Three key junctions along the A167 in Newton Aycliffe have been improved and are now fully open.
The upgrades at Rushyford Roundabout, Central Avenue, and Ricknall Lane aim to boost road capacity, to support the planned 1,435-home development at the Copelaw site.
The work, partially delivered by Durham County Council, was funded with £7.135 million from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund.
(Image: DCC)
As a result, the site, located to the east of Newton Aycliffe, is more accessible for future development.
The Copelaw site, surrounded by farmland, was allocated in the County Durham Plan in 2020.
Developed in partnership with the Church Commissioners for England, it is set to include 92 extra care apartments, a local centre, and a primary school.
(Image: DCC)
The site will also feature pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as open spaces and landscaping.
Councillor Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council's member for economy and partnership, said: "It's fantastic to see work finally completed on these improvements to the A167, and progress being made toward facilitating this major housing development.
"Improved road capacity at these junctions will go a long way towards reducing congestion and improving safety, while also paving the way for improved connections to the Copelaw development and surrounding areas.
(Image: DCC)
"I want to thank all road users and residents for their patience while this work was being carried out."
Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding for Homes England, added: "Funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund has enabled the council to make vital improvements to the A167 in Newton Aycliffe.
(Image: DCC)
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"The completion of these works marks a significant moment for the Copelaw project and an excellent example of how we are helping local authority partners like Durham County Council to create new homes and thriving places people can be proud of."
Details on the infrastructure works can be found at
The full application is available on the council's planning portal.
Planning permission for the site is currently pending determination.
