Durham walking and cycling routes to be improved

We will start works to enhance footpaths along the A691 and B6532 between Sniperley roundabout, Aykley Heads roundabout and County Hall.

First phase

The first phase of works, which begin on Monday 20 May, will be carried out on the A691 Southfield Way between the County Hall roundabout and the mini-roundabout leading to the University Hospital of North Durham and Land Registry office.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on this road between 9.30am and 3.30pm for one week, followed by a lane closure leading to County Hall for the remaining eight weeks.

The pedestrian refuge island between North End and Southfield Way will be temporarily removed to allow for traffic management, with pedestrian diversions signposted.

There will also be upgrades to the signal-controlled crossing points between County Hall and the hospital, as well as improvements to street lighting.

Active travel options

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Creating more opportunities for active travel is a key priority for us. Not only does it bring environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions, but it also supports people's health and wellbeing by promoting movement and exercise.

"As well as providing active travel options for residents, these improvements will link key employment sites, such as the hospital, Land Registry, and council offices, with the rest of the city. Careful consideration has been given when planning these works to reducing disruption, with work being carried out in phases, and I would like to thank people in advance for their patience."

Second phase

The second phase, expected to take place during the summer, will be carried out from the mini roundabout between Land Registry and the University Hospital of North Durham towards Sniperley roundabout, with lane closures at Sniperley roundabout to be put in place.

Details of the remaining programme of works will be shared once phases one and two are complete.

The works are being carried out with £1.2m from the government's Transforming Cities Fund.