A SECTION of footpath on Darlington’s North Road is to be closed to the public for several weeks to allow building works to continue.

The footpath on the western side of North Road will be closed between the railway bridge, near the Head of Steam Museum, and Whessoe Road, from May 21 as part of the North Road bus priority improvement scheme.

Alternative routes for pedestrians will be signposted during the closure, which is expected to last until August 17.

A statement from Darlington Borough Council and contractors Lumsden and Carroll has apologised for any inconvenience to pedestrians during the closure.

Access to local businesses will remain open during the closure and businesses will be able to trade as usual.

The North Road bus priority scheme forms part of the Tees Valley Bus Network Improvement project, a £57 million project which aims to improve the quality, punctuality and reliability of bus services across the Tees Valley.

It is hoped that the North Road bus priority scheme will improve journey times for all road users in the area and provide pedestrians with improved crossing facilities.