A mixture of new roads, road widening and improved signalisation are being put forward to aid the continued growth in Middlesbrough – both in population and the local economy.
Middlesbrough Council’s Executive is being recommended to formally approve the Middlesbrough Integrated Transport Strategy 2018-2028 at a meeting in the Town Hall next week.
The document also looks at Middlesbrough’s walking and cycling routes, rail, public transport and freight and goods. The authority will continue to look at innovative ways of promoting alternative travel, such as the offer of a free bike for people moving into a new development.
Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “As the city centre of the Tees Valley, it is important that Middlesbrough has a well-planned, efficient and fully integrated transport system to match our ambitions.
“This strategy brings together a number of important infrastructure proposals which will help and mitigate for continued growth.
“One of the main proposals is for us to work jointly with our colleagues at Redcar & Cleveland Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority to develop a Nunthorpe park and ride.
“This, along with a number of planned road improvements and the introduction of a Longlands to Ladgate Lane link road, should have a big impact in easing traffic flows into and out of Middlesbrough.
“This strategy is not just about roads, however, and we are putting forward innovative measures to promote public transport, cycling and walking as alternatives to driving.”
Recent work undertaken by Arup to assess the impact of various potential road improvements against population growth estimates is reflected within the programme of improvements.
The ten road schemes highlighted are at various stages of progress and of the £45.5m cost of implementation, £23.7m has been identified leaving £21.8m left to be found.
Middlesbrough Council will be setting out the plans and the importance of delivering the full programme to the Department for Transport and Tees Valley Combined Authority.
