Ambitious Programme to Link Up Cycling and Walking Across Our Region Dawns

Views are to be sought on an ambitious vision to link up the region’s transport network – with a focus on walking and cycling.

Hundreds of millions of pounds have been granted to the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority to transform travel in the region in the coming five years and beyond.

In the coming months, the Tees Valley Combined Authority will be sharing more details about its plans and projects.

In the meantime, engineering firm and environmental professional services consultancy WSP has been appointed to support in making the region’s schemes come to fruition.

The Mayor and Combined Authority secured £310million from the CRSTS from the Department for Transport with money to be spent on sustainable schemes.

WSP has been appointed, alongside supply chain partners Fore Consulting and SGP Architects, to design and deliver a wide range of transport schemes.

These will focus on sustainable and active travel, including faster and more reliable public transport, increased inter-connected cycling and walking routes, and an integrated digital network with improvements to payment options and live travel updates.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Giving more power to the people who know how to spend it best is at the heart of devolution, and I’m very pleased the Government has bought into this and handed us the money to help us control and improve our local transport system.

“For too long, we fell to the back of the queue when it came to improving our road, rail and pathway systems.

“Now, with the help of WSP and the voices of our public, we’re working to create a vision which will work to improve the chances of hundreds of thousands of people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

WSP has worked with the Combined Authority on the wider Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan to make both more viable for shorter trips. The long-term plan aims to provide 92km of new improve routes with £150million of investment.

A map outlining ambitions to create an integrated network of cycle routes across the region can be seen here.

A consultation on the wider walking and cycling vision as part of the CRSTS programme will be launched later this year.