Roadworks on a busy Darlington street are almost complete after the work began nearly four months ago.
Darlington Borough Council had planned to transform Duke Street by adding a dedicated cycle lane and widened pavements to allow for better pedestrian access.
Concerns have been raised over the apparent one-way cycle lane, proving problematic for cyclists.
The new cycle lane is one-way heading out of town as Duke Street is not wide enough to accommodate two-way cycling infrastructure whilst also considering pedestrians’ needs as well as parking and loading for businesses.
One-way cycle lane on Duke Street in Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)
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The Northern Echo headed to Duke Street to ask local businesses how the roadworks had affected them.
Sarah Garnett, owner of The Eco Hair Salon on Duke Street, was excited for the work to be completed.
Ms Garnett said: “It’s been really annoying. There’s been lots of noise of drilling and it's not very relaxing for clients.
“Clients can’t park outside anymore so they are sometimes late for appointments
“It's been really annoying.”
Sarah Garnett from Eco Hair Salon, Darlington. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
Eco Hair Salon on Duke Street in Darlington. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
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Tom Dexter, owner and director of pizza restaurant Hideaway described the roadworks as an “eye sore”
Mr Dexter said: “It’s been really annoying. They started work outside here today. I'm not faulting the workmen, they're just doing their job
“It’s a massive eye sore.
“We want to have outdoor seating here like on Coniscliffe Road ideally.
“I’ve seen about two cyclists use the cycle path so far. It’s one-way so how does that work?”
Hideaway on Duke Street, Darlington. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
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Tori Gill from TGI Media was concerned for businesses and how the roadworks affect footfall overall.
Ms Gill said: “Hospitality businesses are suffering because of the roadworks.
“I know of two hospitality businesses that are hoping to survive until October when the work is supposed to be finished.
“Cycle paths are important but people would rather have parking.”
TGI Media on Duke Street, Darlington. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)
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A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said: “The new bike lane is one way heading out of town.
“Duke Street isn’t wide enough to accommodate two-way cycling infrastructure whilst also considering pedestrians’ needs as well as parking and loading for businesses.
“The design was informed by the consultation with businesses and residents and the public inquiry.
“Cyclists coming into town will use the traffic calmed 20mph road. The bike lane for cyclists leaving town is segregated with a stepped feature.
“It is anticipated that the reduced number of vehicles using the road and the low speeds associated with the traffic calming and one-way system will help make the road safer.”
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