Work To Remove Linthorpe Road Cycle Lane Complete

Work to remove a controversial cycle lane leading to Middlesbrough town centre is now complete.

The infrastructure on Linthorpe Road has been ripped out and the affected areas fully resurfaced.

Parking spaces have been reinstated and bus stops will be repositioned.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke both pledged to remove the cycle lane following complaints from business owners and road users.

The mayors met last week to see the completed works after contractors Esh Construction finished their work on site ahead of schedule.

Mayor Houchen said: “The Linthorpe Road cycle lane was a disaster, causing congestion, hammering local businesses and making life harder for the people who actually use the town centre every day, which is why I promised to work with the Council to get rid of it.

“Cycle lanes have to work in the real world, and this scheme has caused nothing but problems since day one. We’ve listened to residents and local firms to finally put this right, and I’m glad to see the cycle lane now firmly gone, allowing Linthorpe Road to get back to business.”

Mayor Cooke said: “I’m pleased the cycle lane is no more and it’s positive to see traffic running smoothly. I’ve already had positive comments from people who’ve noticed a difference.

“I’m all for schemes that support sustainable travel, but they have to be in appropriate places.

“We’ve righted a wrong by removing the lane and now it’s time to look forwards.”

Alan Croft, construction manager at Esh Construction, said: “By identifying time-saving efficiencies on site and working collaboratively with Middlesbrough Council, we are pleased to have completed the scheme 11 weeks ahead of the original programme.

“We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding throughout the works.”

The cycle lane was originally completed in September 2022 after Middlesbrough Council received £1.7m in government funding to promote active travel.

The mayors agreed to remove the infrastructure following public consultations and Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority worked together to find a solution.