A County Durham road is to receive almost £3million worth of safety improvements following a successful funding bid.

Durham County Council has been awarded £2.94million from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Safer Roads Fund for a series of improvements on the A690 between Crook and Neville’s Cross in Durham City.

Aimed at improving safety for all road users, but with a focus on pedestrians and cyclists, the works will include:

  • A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians between Holy Well Lane in Crook and Red House Gardens in Willington.
  •  Improved road markings between Willington and Brancepeth to make drivers more aware when they are nearing the kerbside at night and in poor weather.
  •  New traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing at the junction of the A690 and St John’s Road in Meadowfield.
  • Improvements for pedestrians on Langley Moor High Street.
  • Road surface improvements at various locations along the route.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re delighted our bid for funding from the DfT’s Safer Road Fund was successful.

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This stretch of the A690 is an important commuter link connecting Durham City with Crook, Willington and surrounding towns and villages. It’s also a popular route for those travelling on to the Durham Dales.

“The works we have planned target specific issues along the route, while also enhancing sustainable travel options, and should benefit motorists, pedestrians and cyclists for years to come.”

Now that the funding has been confirmed, the council will undertake additional studies and community engagement exercises to develop detailed designs for the schemes. Further updates will follow.