The first stage of work on the Pedestrian Heart development commenced in February 2005 with the construction of a new bus lane on the inner ring road.
The new, dedicated bus lane enables northbound buses to exit Darlington town centre onto Stonebridge roundabout without having to give way to oncoming roundabout traffic. The new bus lane, which runs from the east of the junction of Stonebridge and Crown Street along St Cuthbert’s Way, formed part of preliminary works ahead of proposed main pedestrianisation developments, which commenced in October 2005.
The programme of works was undertaken by Hall Construction Services Ltd. The existing carriageway was widened to accommodate a third lane resulting in one bus lane and two traffic lanes between the Stonebridge roundabout northbound to the existing pelican crossing, where the road reverts to two lanes.
The new bus lane will reduce pressure on the Stonebridge roundabout by giving buses a dedicated access route away from main traffic flow. This will also help to minimise journey times on the alternative routings. The bus lane opened in September 2005, when the new traffic management system was introduced in the town centre.
The roundabout at Stonebridge was re-aligned and improvements to the junctions made, during the programme of works aimed at improving safety and accommodating the new bus lane installation.
The Council worked in partnership with Transco to complete gas works at the same time as the Enabling works. Although this resulted in an extension to the construction period, the aim of working together was to prevent the need for further disruption at a later date. These enabling works are now complete and soft works/landscaping commenced in February 2006.
Refer to Phase One Enabling works plan (PDF file, new window).
For further information, refer to the Stonebridge & St. Cuthberts Way Bus Lane Traffic Regulation Order in Cabinet Report - 18 Jan 2005 - Item 10 (PDF file, new window).
Last updated - 21/02/2006