Timeline to Rip Out Linthorpe Road Cycleway Unveiled

Next steps to overhaul and remove the Linthorpe Road Cycleway have been unveiled as a new consultation on the move gets underway.

Both Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke have pledged to remove the cycle lanes in Middlesbrough town centre.

This comes following issues pedestrians, cyclists and drivers have experienced along the stretch, as well as the impact the changes have had on Linthorpe Road businesses.

Now a four-week consultation is set for launch this week seeking views on plans to reinstate the road’s previous layout, while retaining the closure of Victoria Street.

A timeline has been drawn up following the consultation outlining plans to remove the lane.

Mayor Houchen said: “We’re all for improving how everyone gets around Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool but the Linthorpe Road cycle lane simply hasn’t worked and should never have happened.

“It’s been a pain for businesses, hasn’t improved life for cyclists or pedestrians, and it needs to be removed.

“We’re making big changes through the Development Corporation and having local businesses and TS1 residents behind us is absolutely essential.

“We’re all agreed that the status quo simply cannot remain, and I’m determined we see spades in the ground to get this out before the end of the year.”

The consultation will last until the start of September.

After the feedback is taken into consideration, the current plan is for a statutory consultation to take place in Autumn.

Subject to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) being granted, work would then start in December with the overhaul set to be completed in early 2025.

Mayor Cooke added: “The cycle lane has been unpopular with many people who use Linthorpe Road.

“I pledged to get rid of it before I was elected and am pleased we have now reached the point where the TVCA can pay for its removal in full, including the costs of putting the road right.

“We’ve had assurances there will be no impact on Middlesbrough Council’s finances – that is massively important given our wider responsibilities to the town.

“Lots of positive things are happening in our town centre and it’s vital that we listen to the people of Middlesbrough – it’s their town and on big changes like this we need their backing.

“In the longer term we need to work closely with TVCA on making sure we have a transport system that’s suitable for everyone and plays its part in protecting the planet. We need fit-for-purpose solutions that we can encourage people to use.”