Consett

Consett currently suffers as a result of traffic using town centre streets to access the Consett Bypass. This is to the detriment of pedestrians and cyclists who suffer as a result. The first two phases of the link between the A692 Consett Bypass and Park Road, as proposed within the Project Genesis Study, have been constructed for some time. However the third and final phase is still required to complete this important link in the local highway network. It will give direct access to proposed development areas on the Project Genesis/Berry Edge development site from the A694 and encourage new business and commercial development. The district council has made an application for an ERDF grant towards this scheme as well as providing funding from their own resources to complement LTP assistance. In addition several links have been identified which will aid both pedestrian and cyclists and will connect the Derwent Walk with the Consett and Sunderland Path via Blackhill Park.

It is therefore intended to undertake the following:

• Introduce the final link from the A692 to Park Road by an extension of Genesis Way (650m).
• Review traffic management and parking in and around the town centre (after completion of Park Road Link Road) with junction improvements, traffic orders, improved signing to car parks, etc.
• Improved surfacing of the Derwent Walk across Berry Edge, between the A692 and Park Road, with a link from Genesis Way.
• Traffic management on A692 crossing, at The Grove, for users of the Derwent Walk, incorporating dropped kerbs, central island refuge, advance warning signs, white lining and traffic calming.
• Cycle network linking the Derwent Walk with the Consett and Sunderland Path via Blackhill Park.