Missing bus stops and no access: The Linthorpe Road cycle lane hangover

Four years after it was opened to the public and four months after work to remove it was “completed”, some issues still remain in relation to the deeply unpopular Linthorpe Road cycle lane.

September 2022 marked the cycle lane’s completion and it was the polar opposite of an instant hit, with both Labour’s Chris Cooke and Tory Ben Houchen making its removal a key pledge of their successful mayoral campaigns in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Back in May, it was reported that the controversial transport corridor’sremoval was complete. While the physical cycle lane itself may now just be a memory for motorists, residents and local businesses, two aspects related to it are yet to be fully remedied.

In the report of Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability – which was published ahead of a full council meeting earlier this month – Labour Councillor Peter Gavigan described the removal scheme as complete, minus the fact that Albert Terrace had not re-opened, with “issues regarding utilities” blamed, and bus stops at Victoria Road were not yet finished.

The unfinished bus stops at the former junction of Victoria Road and Linthorpe Road. Credit: Daniel Hodgson

Middlesbrough Council was unable to provide a timeline for these final tasks being undertaken, saying work will be carried out “as soon as possible”.

A spokesman said the only bus stop shelters which need to be re-instated were in the Victoria Road area – all other stops have been replaced – and the council is waiting on the supplier.

Meanwhile, the Albert Terrace works relate to the broadband network. Linthorpe Road is currently not accessible by car from Albert Terrace.

Removal of the unpopular cycle lane took place between August 2025 and spring this year, with one Linthorpe Road shop worker dubbing the lengthyremoval process “bad for business” in the midst of winter.

The total price tag of installation and then removal of the transport corridor was approximately £4m.

Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) footed the more than £2m removal bill, while installation costs were met by the local council receiving £1.7m in government funding through TVCA, to encourage active travel.

Injuries on the infamous cycle lane resulted in pay outs totalling more than £85,000,it was reported last year.