Walking and cycling improvements
We received government funding to make changes to some of our roads and paths to support the increased walking and cycling that has taken place during the Coronavirus pandemic. Work on initial improvements in Durham City took place between August and September 2020 with further works currently taking place along the A167 Newton Aycliffe.
The improvements include new or improved cycle lanes, reduced speed limits and improved paths, with the aim of providing more space for walkers and cyclists, and to make them feel safe on the roads, as traffic increases. Overall, we hope that these changes will:
- encourage people to maintain healthy lifestyles and enjoy walking and cycling as a cheap and healthy way to get around
- keep people safe while they travel and exercise
- support people to continue to shop locally
Current works
We are currently undertaking works to create an active travel corridor in Newton Aycliffe, introducing a new route linking Moore Lane and Aycliffe Village via St Cuthbert's Way alongside the A167.
The route will provide more accessible facilities for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchair users.
The scheme will become part of the Great North Cycleway, part of the National Cycling Network 725 route linking Blyth and Darlington.
Works are likely to be completed by Spring 2022.
Completed works
See table below for a full list of completed changes in the Durham City area.
| Where | Improvements |
|---|---|
| Rotary Way, Pity Me (Pity Me roundabout to Arnison Centre roundabout) |
The map shows some of the improvements for cyclists, which include:
All drivers who need to get to the Premier Inn or Dunelm Ridge will have to do this from the Arnison Centre roundabout. |
| Pity Me to New College Durham | Improvement for cyclists and pedestrians:
|
Front Street, Pity Me (Alexandra Close to Abbey Road) |
The map shows some of the improvements for cyclists, which include:
|
| Front Street, Framwellgate Moor (Alexandra Close to St Cuthbert's Avenue including North Terrace and Durham Terrace) |
The map shows some of the improvements for cyclists, which include:
|
| Links to Great North Cycleway (A167) | Improvement for cyclists:
|
| Pelaw Leazes Lane, Durham | Improvements for pedestrians and cyclists:
|
| A181 Gilesgate access road | Improvement for cyclists and pedestrians:
|
Further information about the improvements
Pedestrian and disabled access
Pedestrian and disabled access in the improvement areas will not be affected.
Parking
Parking bays will be suspended on Pelaw Leazes Lane, but will not be affected anywhere else.
Access to shops
Access to the shops will not be affected. We hope that the measures will encourage more people to shop locally and create more vibrant places to visit.
Consultation
In June and July 2020, we carried out a countywide consultation on what improvements you thought would help you walk and cycle more. Your responses have helped us prioritise where improvements are needed. More information about the consultation is at Help us create better street space in County Durham.
A further consultation was carried out on the Active Travel Corridor at Newton Aycliffe in February 2021.
