A TOWN centre road is set to be transformed into a major walking and cycling route, with work due to start next week.

The route between Darlington Memorial Hospital and the town centre will see cycle lanes introduced on both sides of Woodland Road and Outram Street.

Construction work is expected to take 10 months and will be carried out in phases to ensure two-way traffic flow along Woodland Road is maintained.

There will be some night-time closures later next year.

The new scheme is the first phase of a £1.7m Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority-funded project to create a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists from West Park to the town centre, via Cockerton.

Read more: How net zero is Darlington Council? 

The Northern Echo: The plans for Duke Street The plans for Duke Street

A public consultation collected feedback on the initial design from residents, businesses and other interested parties before designs were amended to address some of the issues identified. Consultation on the Duke Street part of the scheme is ongoing.

Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “It is important for our health, the environment and the economy to make it easier for people to use alternative forms of transport to get to the town centre and this scheme will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to move around the town.

The Northern Echo: Detailed plans for Outram Street. Pictures: DARLINGTON COUNCILDetailed plans for Outram Street. Pictures: DARLINGTON COUNCIL

“We listened to issues raised by residents and businesses and following discussions many of these have been resolved.

“This is major work and we will do all we can to minimise disruption but we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054