Two highly publicised Transit 15 schemes in Framwellgate Moor have been scrapped.

The proposals for a bus lane running up Dryburn Park Road to Sniperley roundabout were due to cost over £200,000, but after meetings with residents who raised concerns, along with highways officers it became clear that the cost benefit of the proposals simply didn’t add up.

A scheme to turn the bus gate at the Salutation Pub into a two directional access for buses has also been shelved. This scheme had a number of positive aspects including provison of a pedestrian island and I am working with officers to see if  this can be kept. A few residents had complained that proposals would have meant too many buses using Durham Road/High Carr Road.

I believe that the controversy surrounding the bus shelter mistake by DCC may have made them think again after the very clear challenge to the cost effectiveness of these schemes. I guess the question now is where will the £400,000+ now be spent.

One thing that is being looked at is promoting better use of the two lanes coming off Sniperley roundabout where rush our traffic blocks up going towards Neville’s Cross – something I recommended during discussions.