Town centres across Tees Valley could receive a major transport boost under plans submitted to the Government worth more than £1.3 billion.
Tees Valley Combined Authority leaders have backed a transport and infrastructure package worth about £24 million for each of the region's five councils.
The funding would support transport and connectivity improvements linked to major regeneration schemes in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Darlington North Road/A167 from above. (Image: TVCA)
The investment will support the recently agreed Local Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy to boost jobs, skills, housing, transport and development and revive town centres.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the funding would help ensure major regeneration projects are properly connected to transport networks.
He said: "Important projects are taking shape in our towns right now across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
"From the Darlington Economic Campus to the new Production Village in Hartlepool, as well as exciting visions across Teesside, we're seeing interventions to breathe new life into the heart of our towns.
"But these projects will simply not deliver what local people need if they don't link up properly with our transport network.
"That is why I want this fund to give each council the ability to invest and ensure they connect with as many people as possible."
TVCA Cabinet members have approved the wider transport delivery plan for submission to the Government, including the town-centre funding.
Stockton Waterfront in Stockton town centre. (Image: TVCA)
The plan aims to create a faster, safer and more reliable network linking communities, workplaces, town centres and the national transport system.
Major schemes included in the proposals are a new platform at Middlesbrough railway station, redevelopment of Thornaby station, the Darlington Northern Link Road and improvements to key routes including the A66 and A689.
The package includes £256 million for rail, £470 million for roads, £165.8 million for bus, cycling and walking schemes, £378 million for jobs, growth and housing, and £65 million for digital transport.
Among the projects earmarked for investment are transport improvements around Teesworks, redevelopment plans for Tees Central, upgrades to Middlesbrough Bus Station and the restoration of the iconic Transporter Bridge.
Councillor Steve Harker, TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said Government support was essential to deliver the region's ambitions.
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He said: "This is a wide-ranging and vitally important transport delivery plan for the whole of Tees Valley.
"It is crucial people understand that, while we are a devolved body, major transport schemes often require significant additional funding.
"Government backing for our plans is vital because it will allow external bodies to help fund our programme, giving us the best chance of delivering as many projects as possible in good time across the region."