Agenda item

For decision. 

ORDERED that Executive approve the Stainton Way Highway improvements scheme, considering the issues raised and proposed mitigations.

The Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability submitted a report for Executive's consideration, the purpose of which was to seek Executive's decision following public consultation on the proposal to improve bus and walking/cycling provision on Stainton Way.

It was noted and agreed that the meeting date on the front cover of the report was incorrect and would be corrected accordingly.

Executive was advised that the Stainton Way Highway project comprised the signalisation of the existing roundabout at the junction of Stainton Way and Dalby Way, the creation of a westbound bypass at the Kings Academy roundabout to alleviate congestion and improve bus journey punctuality and reliability, and the provision of an improved footway and cycleway connecting the two junctions.

Members heard that the Tees Valley Combined Authority had secured funding from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to support ambitions to improve sustainable transport accessibility. The project formed part of a wider regional programme of sustainable transport schemes delivered through the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan introduced by the Department for Transport.

Executive was informed that Stainton Way was a key transport corridor providing access to local destinations including The Parkway Centre and The Kings Academy Secondary School. The route also formed part of the Council's Strategic Road Network and accommodated approximately 12,000 vehicle movements per day. Although pedestrian and cycle bridges already connected both sides of Stainton Way, the existing infrastructure had been installed before development around the Parkway Centre expanded and no longer provided the most convenient route to key destinations.

It was noted that the existing highway layout created a barrier between residential areas to the south of Stainton Way and retail, employment and educational opportunities to the north. This severance discouraged local journeys by sustainable modes of transport and increased reliance on private vehicles.

Executive was advised that reducing reliance on private car use was important in mitigating future traffic growth, reducing congestion and supporting improved public health outcomes. Members noted that the proposals formed part of the Council's approved Highway Infrastructure Delivery Plan and would contribute towards maximising the efficiency of the highway network whilst encouraging more sustainable travel choices.

The report outlined the outcomes of a public consultation undertaken by the Tees Valley Combined Authority during July 2025. Consultation activities included early Member engagement sessions, correspondence with nearby premises and an in-person consultation event at the Parkway Shopping Centre. Fifty-nine responses had been received, with 52% of respondents either supporting the proposals or remaining neutral. Strong support had been expressed for improved active travel facilities to Kings Academy and for wider footways.

Executive heard that concerns had been raised regarding the proposed traffic signals at the Dalby Way and Stainton Way roundabout. Traffic modelling had indicated a slight increase in congestion; however, this was not anticipated to have a significant impact on journey times. The safety benefits associated with reduced vehicle speeds, improved traffic management and new crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists were considered to outweigh the limited disbenefits.

Members were informed that concerns relating to crossing provision, carriageway widths and the impact of traffic associated with nearby businesses had been considered and, where appropriate, amendments had been made to the scheme design. Updated plans reflecting those changes had been produced following consultation.

Executive noted that no objections had been raised during Ward Member engagement and that the scheme would be fully funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, with no financial cost to the Council.

Executive were advised that the report had been deferred from the 8 July meeting of Executive following a query from the Ward Member for Marton West regarding the need for signalisation. Executive were also informed that following discussions between the relevant officers and the Ward Member, these concerns had been satisfied.

The Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability invited questions from Executive.

The Executive Member for Finance requested that at the conclusion of projects such as this, sites be made good as quickly as possible.

OPTIONS

Do nothing. This was not recommended as it would not have allowed for the delivery of infrastructure improvements and risked the loss of funding, if not able to be reallocated.

Implement an alternate project. This was not recommended as the proposals had been designed following traffic modelling assessments, and engagement with highway users/statistics at the disposal of the Authority. No other proposal was achievable at the location.

Traffic signals provided a safe junction as drivers and pedestrians were afforded dedicated time to manoeuvre. This was not possible with a roundabout, and non-signalisation of a T junction on the network in this location was not safe. The safety and consistency of movement associated with traffic signals outweighed the cost of increased congestion/journey time.

ORDERED that Executive approve the Stainton Way Highway improvements scheme, considering the issues raised and proposed mitigations.

REASONS

The proposals improved sustainable transport choices and improved road safety. This assisted the Council's green strategy. It further supported social mobility, which was a key component for increasing economic activity.

The proposals improved accessibility to key retail, employment and education opportunities (circa 1300 students).

The proposals improved bus punctuality by creating infrastructure that allowed vehicles to bypass queuing traffic and provided priority at traffic signals.

The proposals supported road safety for all by physically segregating cycles from vehicles, signalising a key junction and creating additional crossing points.