New cycling corridors to link town centre and coast

The new routes aim to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians in Hartlepool, and are backed by £4.5 million in Government funding secured through the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The first route will create a high-quality cycling corridor between Hartlepool town centre and Catcote Road via Burn Valley Gardens.

The second scheme will establish a direct connection from Hartlepool town centre to The Waterfront and its visitor attractions, linking with the promenade between the marina and Seaton Carew.

Designed by Hartlepool Borough Council’s engineering and highways teams and delivered by North-East contractor BCE Northern, the schemes have been independently ratified by Active Travel England and meet the latest national design standards.

Councillor Owen Riddle, chair of the council’s neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, said: “These two new routes represent a major step forward in making Hartlepool a sustainable and more connected town.

“By investing in high-quality cycling infrastructure, we are not only improving travel choices for residents, students and visitors, but also supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars.

“This is a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to sustainable transport, and I’m delighted that work is about to get underway.

“I would like to thank council officers and all those members of the public who contributed to the design of these schemes.”

The first route will improve access to residential areas and public amenities, including Catcote Academy, Summerhill Country Park, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

Key improvements along this route will include widened shared-use paths, upgraded and relocated crossings, a new raised zebra crossing on Brinkburn Road, cyclist-friendly traffic signals and improved streetlighting.

This route will connect with the existing on-road cycle path on Waldon Street, continue along Elwick Road, down Penryhn Street, and through Burn Valley Gardens before reaching Catcote Road.

Starting from the Hartlepool Transport Interchange, the second route will travel across Church Square, over the Marina Way bridge, along The Lanyard, behind the Mecca Bingo hall and onto Maritime Avenue.

Beyond Ensign Court, it will join the promenade and connect to National Cycle Network Route 14.

Construction is set to begin shortly, with the council encouraging residents to make use of the improved routes once they are completed.