A major roadworks project has been completed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion around Durham City.
Durham County Council’s highways team has finished the development of a new link road between Renny’s Lane and Damson Way.
The work began in July 2019 and, earlier this year, the council also started work to create a traffic lit junction between Damson Way and the A181 Sherburn Road.
The work had been carried out by the council to support an increase in vehicles using the A181, Dragon Lane and Sunderland Road, following recent developments in the area including Durham City Retail Park and the opening of The Range and Lidl.
With further developments planned for the area, increasing road capacity is essential to support these developments without affecting existing roads.
The new link road and junction will help also reduce congestion and journey times while providing direct access to the retail and industrial parks.
By reducing congestion and delays, the new works have been designed to improve the air quality of the area while better facilities have also been introduced for sustainable travel options, such as walking or cycling.
Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Dragonville has become a thriving part of our county with more potential businesses looking to move to and invest in the area, creating more jobs locally while also boosting our economy, particularly as we look ahead to its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
“This project supports the continued development of the area and the secured investment for recent and future developments by improving traffic flow and access to the new retail and industrial parks.
“The new infrastructure will also help improve air quality by reducing congestion and offering better facilities for sustainable travel, such as walking and cycling– reaffirming our commitment to tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions.”
