A6072

Redworth

The A6072 runs parallel to the A68 providing an alternative route between Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

It starts at a roundabout on the A68, at the northern end of the dual carriageway section that road has had since the other side of the A1(M). The A6072 heads north and bypasses Heighington (although originally went through the village) before reaching Shildon.

History

The 1922 route of the A6072 went through Shildon to South Church; it was soon extended along the B6285 into Bishop Auckland proper. However, upgrading the A688 in this area also provided an opportunity to upgrade the A6072. The old road is numbered B6282 as far as the Bishop Auckland bypass and then A689 from there on. The current A6072 now bypasses Shildon before heading to the west of its original route to cross the River Gaunless. It originally met the A688 at Tindale Crescent.

The 1.9 mile Shildon Bypass was opened on 26 May 1989 by Mick Terrans, County Council Vice-chairman. The first 2 stages had been built previously by the County Council Direct Labour Organisation. The third and final stage was built by Eden Construction of Carlisle, cost £1.8 million. The work had been phased to allow coal to be extracted on the route to a depth of 100 feet.

Heighington Bypass was completed in 1983 per Hansard (of 11 February 1992). Note that it was shown on the OS 1:250000 map revised to December 1982 so it may have opened to traffic in 1982.

For a short period between 1998 and 2007 the A6072 was diverted on Stage 1 of the West Auckland Bypass (the eastern stage) to terminate at A688 at Watling Road Roundabout. When Stage 2 opened in June 2007 this section became part of A688 and A6072 was shortened to terminate at the new bypass.