Cyclists can take the path to enlightenment
PLANNERS are hoping for a glowing verdict on a £1.5m upgrade of County Durham’s main cycling, wheeling and walking route.
A trial section of the National Cycle Route 1 (NCN1) has been given a new glow-in-the dark feature.
Durham County Council has worked with Sustrans to deliver the upgrades on parts of the NCN1 between Seaham and Pesspool Wood near Haswell.
A 200-metre section on the old coke works site at South Hetton includes a product called Tarmac ULTIGLOW.
This uses a specialist asphalt system which is laid in the same way as a conventional asphalt surface and is just as durable.
What sets ULTIGLOW apart is its bioluminescent chippings, used to brighten low lit areas and making footways safer at night.
The luminous chippings, laid by hand, create the glow after charging up in daylight.
The intention is to see how the surface is performing after a year and surveying users for their views.
Resurfacing work has been completed on two sections between Dawdon and the A19, and the new Jade Business Park development and the old coke works at South Hetton.
South of the A182, resurfacing between the A182 and Pesspool Lane near Haswell has also been completed, alongside the replacement of the boardwalk in Pesspool Wood.
Barriers throughout the whole route have also been adjusted to make it more accessible, after local people said this was a particular problem between Seaham and Dalton Park.
Coun Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “What we had before was people telling us about a number of problems that were putting them off using the route. It was unrideable in places, whether that be down to poor surfaces, or barriers making it too inaccessible. We’ve listened very carefully to what people have had to say and we’ve taken these steps to put these things right.
“Ultimately, the path has to be accessible for everybody. Its whole purpose is to be used by our communities and it has to be suitable for everyday journeys.”
The NCN1 is managed by the charity Sustrans and runs from Dover to the Shetland Islands, with a 23-mile stretch running through County Durham.
Rosslyn Colderley, director for Sustrans in the North of England, said: “It’s been great to work with Durham County Council on these improvements to the path from Seaham to South Hetton and Shotton Colliery.
“The route was narrow and muddy, with a very slippery walkway and lots of heavily engineered barriers, so there was very poor access for anyone with mobility issues or families pushing buggies.
“Now the path is wider, the barriers are gone and there’s a new walkway and a much better surface, which helps many more people use it for walking, wheeling and cycling. The trial fluorescent path should also improve conditions for people using the route at night.”
Meanwhile, further improvements are being made to the NCN1 south of Pesspool Wood, as far as the county boundary. Almost £900,000 of funding from the council’s Towns and Villages Capital Improvement Programme has been allocated for this work.
This includes resurfacing of the NCN1 between Shotton Colliery and Wellfield, which is almost completed.
Further work is planned to the north and south parts of the NCN1 to improve connections with the neighbouring areas of Sunderland and Hartlepool.