Woodland Road
The Government has set out an ambitious case for a step-change in cycling and walking to help address 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 (TVCA) has worked with the five local authorities to develop a Tees Valley Local Cycling and Walking Investment Plan (LCWIP), which identified Woodland Road/West Auckland Road as a key route for investment.
One of the priority schemes to be delivered in Darlington is therefore the Woodland Road scheme, which will be delivered in two phases forming part of the West Park to Faverdale and Darlington Town centre active travel route.
Phase 1 - Woodland Road (Hollyhurst junction), Outram Street and Duke Street
The first phase of the route was completed in 2022, following consultation on the proposals which took place between 14 December 2020 and 3 February 2021. We received wide ranging views from residents, businesses and stakeholders and overall, there was support for the proposals.
The active travel 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 provides a continuous route for cyclists without the need to cross side roads. These cycle lanes are mandatory meaning parking and loading is not allowed to ensure they are kept free for cyclists.
On Duke Street the one-way traffic system and 20mph speed limit introduced in 2020 was formalised, 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 2 – Woodland Road (Hollyhurst junction) to the Tennis Dene
The second phase will see the extension of the cycle route from the Hollyhurst Road junction along Woodland Road to Deneside Road (the Tennis Dene) and there will be new priority crossings on side streets to give greater visibility to people walking along Woodland Road. Where possible the work has incorporated comments made during the consultation in 2022.
Work is due to start during the week beginning 3 August 2026, starting at Dene Grove, and is anticipated to be completed by November 2027. The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and maintain two-way traffic on Woodland Road, but at times there will be temporary traffic lights and junction and pavement closures to allow the work to be carried out safely. Signed diversions will be in place to direct pedestrians to temporary crossing locations when necessary.
- 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].
- View the phasing plan for the works – Woodland Road Phase 2 Phasing Plan [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.