Work to remove the controversial cycle lane on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough was officially completed on 8 May 2026, restoring the previous road layout and parking spaces. The removal process, which saw the infrastructure ripped out and the road surface repaired, marks the end of a long-running local debate regarding the scheme.
The cycle lane was originally installed in September 2022 at a cost of £1.7m, using government funding distributed through the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Following its introduction, the layout faced significant criticism from residents, local businesses, and road users. Concerns were raised regarding injuries to both cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the impact of parking restrictions on trade in the area. A 2024 public consultation showed that over 75% of respondents supported the removal of the lane.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen both made the removal of the lane a central part of their election campaigns. The Middlesbrough Council Executive officially approved the removal in February 2025. Although the project was originally installed under former Mayor Andy Preston, he has since stated his support for its removal.
The removal project, carried out by Esh Construction, cost £2.17m and was funded entirely by the Tees Valley Combined Authority. As part of the agreement to remove the lane, the council was not required to repay the original government grant. While the project took eight months to complete, the contractor finished the work 11 weeks ahead of the original programme schedule.
Following the completion of the work, parking spaces have been reinstated along the route, and bus stops are being repositioned to return the street to its previous configuration.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
