A NEW pedestrian bridge is planned to link Darlington rail station with the town's college, offices and homes.

The bridge will connect Central Park from the Business Central building to Adelaide Street, which leads to the back entrance of the station via an existing footbridge.

The project will also see Adelaide Street spruced up, removing an eyesore wall to create a landscaped area and a wider footpath.

Traffic calming measures and better street lighting will also be introduced, to make a safer route for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The project forms part of the Sustainable Access to Employment programme which the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) is funding, under the guidance of mayor Ben Houchen.

The initial feasibility and outline design had been funded from Darlington Borough Council’s Local Transport Plan.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and local environment at Darlington council, said: “This is an exciting step in the Central Park journey.

"The new bridge will provide a quick and safe route between Central Park and Darlington Station, avoiding the need to cross the busy Parkgate road.

"The walking and cycling routes continue through Central Park to Darlington College, Teesside University and beyond to the cycle route alongside Haughton Road.

“The work we are doing to Adelaide Street will improve the area and link to future changes that are being developed for the railway station.”

A multi-million pound scheme, Darlington 2025, to transform Bank Top station into a modern transport hub was announced earlier this year.

The station will be at the heart of services connecting the East Coast mainline as well as becoming an integral part of the Government’s HS2 network and links to the Tees Valley.

The bridge has been designed to fit in with the Parkgate Conservation Area and its industrial heritage.

Work on the bridge and improvements to Adelaide Street are expected to begin next year, subject to funding and planning consent.