Durham City bus stands set for major upgrade

Durham City bus stands set for major upgrade

Work to enhance key bus stops in Durham City centre will get underway next week thanks to a £1 million grant.

Durham County Council is carrying out a series of improvements to the bus stands on Millburngate, near North Road, after successfully applying for funding from the North East Combined Authority’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The work will include the introduction of four new bus shelters with improved visibility to make it easier for the travelling public to see buses coming. Footpaths will be widened and kerbs raised, to improve accessibility at bus boarding areas. There will also be upgraded, digital real time passenger information and enhanced street lighting.

It is part of a raft of improvements taking part across County Durham funded through BSIP. The programme will see the installation of 446 new bus stop signs; the replacement of 90 bus shelters; improved kerbs at 50 shelters; and the movement of benches and bins, to make shelters more accessible.

Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “The improvements we are undertaking in Durham City will make a positive difference to important and well-used bus stands. Not only will the new stands be more accessible and welcoming for bus users, but they will also improve the experience for bus drivers and help the flow of traffic in the area.

“We recognise the vital role bus travel plays in connecting our communities and boosting our economy and are committed to doing as much as we can to improve services in County Durham.

“We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the work is carried out.”

Work will begin on Monday 12 January and is expected to last around 16 weeks. The bus stops will be closed during this period.

Passengers wishing to access services 40, 41, 42, 61, 62, 64 and N21 should use the bus stops on North Road. All other services can be caught at the bus station, also on North Road.

For more information about bus travel in County Durham, including changes to bus timetables and routes, visit www.durham.gov.uk/busmap.

The Bus Service Improvement Plan sets out regionwide ambitions to make buses a more affordable and practical alternative to using private cars for more people and helping existing passengers to travel more frequently.

To find out more, visit www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/bus-service-improvement-plan.