Darlington Borough Council has confirmed that construction on the second phase of the long‑running Woodland Road walking and cycling improvement will begin next week, with contractors due on site from 3 August.
Scope and schedule of the works
The authority says the latest stage will extend the active travel route from the Hollyhurst Road junction eastwards to Deneside Road, close to Tennis Dene, and will introduce new priority crossings on side roads to improve safety and visibility for pedestrians. Work is expected to continue through phased construction until November 2027.
To limit disruption, the council plans to carry out the work in sections, starting at Dene Grove. Two‑way traffic will be maintained where possible, but residents and drivers are warned that temporary traffic lights, junction closures and pavement diversions will be required at times during the programme.
Delays and context
The Woodland Road project forms part of a wider ambition to create a continuous walking and cycling link between West Park and Faverdale into the town centre, under the Tees Valley Combined Authority's local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. The scheme has faced setbacks since initial proposals were published in January 2022, most notably after the council failed to secure funding from the UK government's Levelling Up Fund in 2023.
"Projects that had been 'designed, costed, audited and approved' had 'languished on the drawing board for a year or more',"
The comment was made earlier this year by Green councillor Matthew Snedker in relation to a series of delayed infrastructure projects including Woodland Road.
Associated works and outstanding planning matters
Alongside the cycleway extension, the wider proposals include adjustments to roundabouts at Cockerton, Staindrop Road and Woodland Road. Some linked schemes remain outstanding. The council has also submitted a planning application to demolish a council‑owned property at 267 Carmel Road, rebuild a retaining wall, remove trees and divert utilities — an application that has not yet been determined.
- Start date: 3 August
- Expected completion: November 2027
- Route: from Hollyhurst Road junction to Deneside Road
- Initial works location: Dene Grove
| Phase | Key element | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Second phase | Extension of cycle route; priority crossings | Aug 2026 – Nov 2027 |
| Wider scheme | Roundabout changes and other links | Ongoing / outstanding |
Local residents are advised to check the council's website and social media channels for traffic notices and phasing details as the works proceed. While the commitment to proceed will be welcomed by cycling and walking campaigners, the extended timetable means the benefits will not be realised for some time.
As the scheme moves on to site, attention will turn to the remaining stages and to how the council secures any further funding or consents needed to complete the wider route through Darlington.
