Tag: traffic

Works To Improve Durham Station Access Begin February 1st

By on 23rd January 2016in In & Around

Preliminary works which will pave the way for better links to Durham Station for cyclists and pedestrians are due to start on 1st February…

 

The £800,000 project – which includes a £600,000 funding award from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – will see access improved to allow people to reach the station more easily via paths alongside the A691 (Framwellgate Peth). With the station linking Durham City to the North East Main Line, the scheme will increase sustainable transport links as well improving access to key employment sites in Durham City and beyond, providing a boost to the local economy.

The improvements will see a new path constructed for bicycles and pedestrians on the north side, as well as a set of stairs. The existing footpath on the south side will be widened to accommodate cyclists as well.

To allow the main work to go ahead in the summer, preliminary work will take place for around four weeks, starting on Monday 1st February. As well as some ground investigation work, this will involve the removal of trees around the intended sites for the new and expanded paths. Following completion of the project, new trees and wildflowers will be planted around the new layout.

During the work, the path leading to the station from Framwellgate Peth will be closed, with signed diversions directing people to the station via North Road. The path alongside Framwellgate Peth leading down to Durham will also be closed on the north side, however the path on the south side will remain open throughout. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use designated crossing points and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “With Durham City the economic powerhouse for the county and the station being a key gateway to the rest of the country, we hope these improvements will benefit business, tourism and residents.”

“As well as making the station easier to access, we also hope these improvements will encourage more people to reach it by walking or cycling, meaning a double boost for healthier and more environmentally friendly travel. We’d like to thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out and the improvements are put in place.”

The project is funded by the North East LEP as part of the North East Growth Deal from Government. The Local Growth Fund supports major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area. The works have been planned in conjunction with Virgin East Coast as the station operator.

Paul Woolston, chair of the North East LEP, said: “A key pillar of the economic plan is continued investment in projects to help businesses grow and be accessible. Improved access to key transport links is an essential part of the plan, and this Growth Deal funding for Durham Station is the latest step in achieving this.

“Durham is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. The development will help improve access to the city for visitors, as well as enhance commuter journeys for those living in and around the area. It’s a hugely positive move that benefits everyone.”

Major Durham City Roadworks Begin January 2016

By on 5th January 2016in In & Around

Major works, which will mean easier journeys for everyone on the main route through Durham City, will start at the end of January…

 

Following consultation in 2015, Durham County Council’s £2.5m SCOOT system will see traffic lights installed on the Gilesgate and Leazes Bowl roundabouts during 2016.

The installation of the traffic lights will also see improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities on both roundabouts. Although measures will be taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that some disruption is likely while the work is carried out.

Work is expected to start at Gilesgate roundabout on Sunday 24th January and last until May 2016. The work will be carried out in seven phases and has been planned to reduce disruption to a minimum. Unfortunately various phases will still require traffic restrictions and some overnight road closures.

Further details of the work on Gilesgate roundabout are available at www.durham.gov.uk/gilesgate, and information about the Leazes Bowl work will be publicised closer to the starting date. Motorists are advised to keep up to date on the current traffic measures by using the website, and via social media using the hashtag #Gilesgate.

Towards the end of the improvements to Gilesgate roundabout, there will be an overlap with work commencing on Leazes Bowl roundabout to minimise the duration of delays. The project is expected to be finished by autumn 2016.

Once installed, the new traffic lights will be coordinated with those already in place on the Milburngate roundabout to better manage the flow of vehicles through the city. This will mean much more predictable travel through Durham City at peak times, making journeys easier for motorists and helping bus operators to plan services. It will also enable the council to more effectively deal with the impacts of incidents and planned events on the road network. The council hopes to start using the SCOOT system in 2017.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Once installed, the SCOOT system should make journeys easier for everyone travelling to or via Durham City, improve the reliability of public transport services, and have a positive impact on air quality for local residents. Although we’re working hard to minimise the impact on motorists, we’d like to thank everyone for their patience for any disruption while this is carried out.”

Extensive A690 Roadworks Begin Monday 23rd

By on 21st November 2015in In & Around

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys while essential road maintenance takes place on one of County Durham’s main routes…

 

Durham County Council will be carrying out resurfacing work on the south-bound section of the A690 dual carriageway, between the county border with Sunderland and Rainton Gate.

The work will start on Monday 23rd and is expected to take six days.

During the work a contraflow system will operate on the north-bound carriageway of that section of the road and five central reservation crossover points will be closed.

Diversion routes for residents in West Rainton and Rainton Gate will be in place.

John Reed, head of technical services at Durham County Council, said: “This work is part of our essential maintenance programme which is aimed at keeping the county’s roads in good condition.

“We appreciate that this is a busy commuter route in and out of Durham and we would ask road users to be patient and allow extra time for their journeys while we carry out this work.”

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