Improvements planned to cycleway network

Work on a 1.2km cycleway in the north west of Darlington is expected to be completed by the end of November.

The cycle path will run from the Rotary Way/Centurion Way roundabout to the toucan crossing on West Auckland Road.

It will provide a safer, direct, continuous route for those cycling to work in the Faverdale area.

At the eastern end, it will tie in to existing cycle paths which provide local into High Grange development, Argos distribution centre and other businesses on Roundhouse Road.

At the western end it will link to the existing toucan crossing on West Auckland Road and the cycle route to the West Park development.

Darlington Borough Council is contributing to the scheme, with additional funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s sustainable access to employment programme.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Local Environment, said: “This new cycleway will be a welcome addition to our already impressive network of bike lanes in Darlington.

“Anything that encourages people to get on their bikes can only be a good thing, so I am pleased to welcome this investment and proud the council is supporting it.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Cycling helps reduce congestion on our roads, is cheap, environmentally friendly and good for you.

"These new and improved routes will make it easier, safer and better than ever for people to get about without having to use a car.”