Work to create a new cycle and walking route on a popular town centre street has started after a delay.

Darlington Borough Council plans to transform Duke Street by adding a dedicated cycle lane and widened pavements to allow for better pedestrian access.

Work was due to start on January 3 but was delayed due to inflated costs affecting the construction industry and the price of materials. Darlington Council reviewed funding options with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and Active Travel England and is now able to progress with the scheme.

The redevelopment forms part of a new walking and cycling route between West Park and Faverdale to Darlington town centre. It follows the introduction of a one-way traffic system and 20mph speed limit on Duke Street in 2020.

Initial work on the new cycle lane started on Sunday (February 26) and saw the concrete blocks along Duke Street removed and replaced with cones. New pedestrian barriers and walkways will be installed when work on the full scheme starts on Sunday (March 5).

A council letter to businesses says there will be “minimal disruption” during the work and footpaths will remain open.

The Northern Echo: How the new cycle lane could look on Duke Street, Darlington How the new cycle lane could look on Duke Street, Darlington (Image: Darlington Council)

The council says the redevelopment work will consist of seven phases and is due to take around nine months to complete.

But business owners have previously voiced safety concerns and are worried about the impact on footfall if they lose parking spaces outside their premises. The Larchfield Street crossroads has been labelled an “accident spot” by locals.

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The original cycle lane proposal was then amended following consultation with business owners and residents in 2022, which resulted in an increase in the number of parking spaces in the street - albeit in a different position.

Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, previously said: “This project is about maintaining that atmosphere and making Duke Street one of the key entrances to the town centre, particular for those on foot or who are travelling by bike.

“We are committed to making it easier to get about the town without using a car.”