WORK to convert the much-maligned Haughton Road throughabout to a more conventional roundabout is on track to be complete this spring, the council says.

Preparation works on site are now almost complete and the next phase- to reshape the roundabout to create additional lanes and the widening of the road towards Darlington College - is set to get underway.

Since works began, engineers have constructed retaining walls at Haughton Road and around the garage site to create extra space for new lanes to be added to the roundabout.

Underground works to provide new ducting and utility cables are almost finished and the pedestrian crossing on Barton Street is complete.

The next phase will involve creating new kerb lines, installing traffic islands and adding new safety barriers.

A series of road closures are required in the next couple of weeks to allow these works to take place safely.

The Northern Echo:

Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “Works are progressing well at Haughton Road and motorists are already seeing the benefits of the changes that are being made to the roundabout.

“A lot of the works that have been done so far are the largely unseen but necessary elements that will help the new junction operate smoothly in future.

“We try to avoid road closures where possible and most of the works to date have been carried out without causing delays.

"However the scheme is at a stage now where some limited works can only be done safely without traffic being present.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the motorists who use the Haughton Road junction, and residents living close to the site, for their ongoing patience as these works progress, it really is appreciated and I know that it will be worth the wait.”

Haughton Road from Westgarth Terrace and the throughabout will be shut from January 20 to 23. with diversions in place. Tornado Way will be closed to traffic heading away from the town between January 27 and 31.