Proposed travel improvements in Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me

We are developing proposals to improve the route between Pity Me Front Street and Framwellgate Moor Front Street.

The aim is to make it easier, safer and more pleasant for people to move around the area, whether they walk, use a wheelchair or mobility aid, cycle, travel by public transport or drive.

The proposed improvements would:

• better connect homes, shops, schools, colleges and local services
• make everyday journeys safer and more convenient
• provide better facilities for walking, wheeling and cycling
• improve the appearance and environment of the area
• give people more choice about how they make shorter local journeys.

Why improvements are being proposed

The proposals have been informed by feedback from previous engagement, including the Framwellgate Moor Front Street regeneration consultation in 2022, a local travel survey in 2026 and discussions with local stakeholders.

In recent years, a number of changes have already been made in the area. During the Covid-19 pandemic, local people were asked how streets could be adapted to help people walk and cycle safely. This led to a temporary scheme along Rotary Way between Pity Me, Framwellgate Moor and the Arnison Centre in 2021.

Further improvements were made to pavements and planting in Framwellgate Moor through the Front Street regeneration scheme in 2022. More recently, a local travel survey gathered people’s experiences of travelling through the area and their ideas about what could be improved. Discussions have also taken place with local businesses, the parish council and the Community Centre.

Feedback highlighted concerns including speeding, difficulties crossing Front Street, the condition and width of some pavements, pavement parking and the need for more greenery, seating and cycle parking.

What improvements are proposed?

The scheme includes a series of proposed improvements which will be funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

Durham Moor and New College (Locations 1,2, and 3)

Near New College, we are proposing to extend the existing 20mph speed limit to the New College access. This is intended to respond to concerns about speeding in this area.

A new parallel crossing is also proposed at the New College access, in response to concerns about the difficulty pedestrians can experience when crossing Front Street. A parallel crossing provides designated crossing space for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

Between St Cuthbert’s Avenue and the existing crossing refuge near the bus gate, the pavement would be widened and resurfaced to address concerns about its condition.

Front Street near King George’s Playing Field (Location 4)

Next to King George’s Playing Field, we are proposing to widen and resurface the pavement. This would address concerns about the condition of the existing surface and provide more space for people using this section of Front Street.

Front Street and Bridgemere Drive (Location 5 and 6)

A new parallel crossing is proposed on Front Street, south of Bridgemere Drive. This would respond to concerns about the difficulty pedestrians can experience when crossing the road in this area.

Between Bridgemere Drive and Finchale View, the existing cycle lanes and their separating wands would be removed. They would be replaced with a new two-way cycle lane and a separate pavement. A new bus stop arrangement would also be created as part of these works.

Front Street and Finchale View (Location 7)

Near Finchale View, the existing pedestrian refuge would be replaced with a parallel crossing. This would support the transition to the on-road cycle lanes and improve access to nearby bus stops.

Other improvements along the route

Between Durham Moor and the Abbey Road roundabout, we are proposing improved signs and road markings.

Other proposed improvements on Framwellgate Moor Front Street include:

• new cycle parking
• additional planting and greenery
• more benches and places to sit
• resurfacing the access to the car park behind the Community Centre
• new road markings and signs to create a 'door buffer zone' along car parking bays to protect space for cyclists
• measures such as bollards or planters to help prevent vehicles from parking on the pavement

A plan showing the locations and layout of the proposed improvements can be viewed below.

Scheme plan

This consultation will close on 20 October 2026.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact us at TransportProjects@durham.gov.uk

Follow this consultation if you’d like to receive alerts about the progress of this proposal.