Industry News

Walking and cycling routes to Durham City’s main employment, education and tourist sites are set to benefit from better connections as part of a £3.7million scheme.

The Durham County Council scheme will see work carried out to join up the city’s main cycling and walking networks.

Improvements are planned at Sidegate, Framwellgate waterside, Freeman’s Place, Walkergate, South Bailey, Quarryheads Lane, Stockton Road, and Whinney Hill.

The council has secured £2.5million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund for the scheme and is contributing the remaining £1.2million.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We have walking and cycling routes servicing Durham City centre’s main employment, education and heritage sites but they are currently fragmented.

“This scheme will enable us to join up those routes, providing a continuous network with clearly marked cycling and pedestrian sections.

“It’s one of several schemes we’re delivering to make it safer and easier for people to leave the car at home and travel in and out of the city on foot or by bike.

“We’ve secured millions of pounds from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund to make these investments in our sustainable transport network.”

Plans for the improvements are now being drawn up with work expected to get under way during the 2024/25 financial year.