Linthorpe Road cycle lane in Middlesbrough now fully removed

The scheme on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, completed in September 2022 to encourage active travel through £1.7 million in government funding, was scrapped after Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pledged to remove the cycle lane following complaints from business owners and road users.

Mr 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.”

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

The council did not have to pay back grant funding as part of the process.

Mr 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.”

Work to remove the cycle lane was carried out by Esh Construction, who finished the project ahead of schedule.

The affected areas have been fully resurfaced, with parking spaces reinstated and bus stops will be repositioned.

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.”