Woodland Road
The government has set out an ambitious case for a step-change in cycling and walking to help tackle some of the most challenging issues we face – improving air quality, combating climate change, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities and tackling congestion.
The Tees Valley Combined Authority has worked with the five local authorities to develop a Tees Valley Local Cycling and Walking Investment Plan [external link].
One of the first two priority schemes to be delivered with the initial funding is Woodland Road in Darlington, which forms part of the West Park to Faverdale and Darlington Town centre route.
The first phase of the route extends along Woodland Road from the Hollyhurst Road junction eastwards and then via Outram Street to Duke Street.
Woodland Road is a wide road enabling the traffic lanes to be maintained in both directions, whilst reallocating some of the road space to cyclists through the provision of a stepped cycle lane.
This is a cycle lane that is at a lower level than the pavement but slightly higher than the road surface, thus providing a more obvious segregation from the traffic and pedestrians.
It will provide a continuous route for cyclists without the need to cross side roads. These cycle lanes will be mandatory meaning parking and loading is not allowed to ensure they are kept free for cyclists.
The plans for Duke Street will formalise the one-way traffic system and 20mph speed limit introduced in 2020, as well as adding a dedicated contraflow cycle lane on the south side of the street and widened pavements on the north side to allow for better pedestrian access.
Phase 1 - Woodland Road, Outram Street and Duke Street
Consultation on the proposals took place between 14 December 2020 and 3 February 2021.
We received wide ranging views from local residents, businesses and key stakeholders. Overall there was support for the proposals. The scheme was completed in October 2022 and operates as intended.
Phase 2
The second phase sees the extension of the route from Hollyhurst Road junction along Woodland Road to the Tennis Dene.
The footways will remain mostly unchanged, with priority crossings being introduced on side streets. This will give greater visibility to people walking along Woodland Road.
Where possible the work has incorporated comments made during the consultation that took place early in 2022. Statutory notices about the changes to parking restrictions will be posted in the press and on our traffic regulation orders and consultations page on 26 August 2025. Anyone who would like to comment, object or support the proposals must do so in writing during the statutory period of 21 days.
- Read the Woodland Road Engagement Summary Report [pdf document] for the consultation undertaken in 2022 for Woodland Rd Phase 2.
- View the detailed plan of the scheme - Woodland Road General Arrangement [pdf document].
Additional cycle infrastructure will be constructed as part of proposals for wider highway improvement schemes. These will incorporate significant changes to the roundabouts at Cockerton and Woodland Road / Staindrop Road / Carmel Road. Further information on these schemes will be published in due course.