Funding secured for new walking and cycling route

The council says the plan is to have the new scheme completed by early 2026

A new walking and cycling route is set to be installed on a key road in Durham, after a £2.5m grant was secured.

It will cover a 1.5 mile (2.5km) stretch between the Arniston Centre and New College Durham, on the outskirts of the city.

The upgrade - which forms part of the new North Durham Active Travel Corridor - will replace a temporary cycle lane which was installed in 2020, in a bid to improve local connections.

Durham County Council added its aim was to have the scheme completed by March 2026, with a public consultation planned for later in the year.

The route will include improved junctions and crossings, and funding has been secured through the government-led Active Travel England.

'Easier to travel'

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Cycling and walking are fantastic leisure activities as well as great ways to stay fit and healthy, however they also offer an environmentally friendly and affordable way to travel from A to B, especially for shorter journeys."

One of the aims of the scheme is to improve connections to key cycle routes in the area, including the Great North Cycleway, along the A167.

Ms Scott added: "Whether that be the school run, college commute or a trip to the shops, leisure centre or library, the North Durham Active Travel Corridor will make it easier and safer for people to travel on foot or bicycle."