Hartlepool is set to take a significant step forward in offering greener, healthier travel options with construction due to begin on two major new cycle routes linking key destinations across the town
Backed by £4.5 million of UK Government funding, secured through collaboration with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the schemes represent a major investment in active travel infrastructure and will strengthen Hartlepool’s growing network of safe, accessible routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
Designed in-house by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Engineering and Highways Teams and delivered by North-East based contractor BCE Northern, both routes meet the latest national design standards and have been independently ratified for compliance by Active Travel England.
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 think Council Officers and all those members of the public who contributed to the design of these schemes.”
(Left-right): Kieran Bostock, Hartlepool Borough Council's Director of Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services; Councillor Owen Riddle and Scott Parkes, Hartlepool Borough Council's Assistant Director - Neighbourhood Services
The first route will create a high‑quality cycling link between Hartlepool town centre and Catcote Road via Burn Valley Gardens. The upgraded corridor will significantly improve access to:
- Hartlepool town centre
- ·Residential neighbourhoods
- ·Catcote Academy
- ·Summerhill Country Park
- ·English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College
- ·Hartlepool Sixth Form College
Key improvements include wider paths for safer, shared use; relocated and upgraded crossings, including a new raised zebra crossing on Brinkburn Road; enhanced cyclist‑friendly traffic signals, new streetlighting and upgrades to existing streetlights.
The route will connect with the established on‑road cycle route on Waldon Street, continue along Elwick Road, move down Penryhn Street, and then through Burn Valley Gardens up to Catcote Road.
The second route will create a vital new connection from Hartlepool town centre to The Waterfront and its visitor attractions, linking directly with the scenic promenade between the marina and Seaton Carew.
From the Hartlepool Transport Interchange, the route will run across Church Square, over the Marina Way bridge, down The Lanyard, behind the Mecca bingo hall and onto Maritime Avenue. Beyond Ensign Court, it will join the promenade, forming a seamless link into National Cycle Network Route 14.