Major road safety scheme starts in Linthorpe

Work on a major road safety and environmental improvement scheme in Linthorpe is set to start.

The scheme covers Linthorpe Road, between its junctions with Devonshire Road and St Barnabas Road.

It complements the 20mph zone that was introduced in the area to the west of Linthorpe village last year.

Linthorpe Road has a poor accident record, with 28 recorded injury accidents in the past five years with 10 involving injury to pedestrians.

The scheme, which will start on Tuesday, has been jointly funded by the Middlesbrough Healthy Town Programme and Middlesbrough council.

The council said it would be narrowing the carriageway, widening footpaths and improving crossing facilities to create a safer and more pedestrian friendly environment.

Traffic signals

A relocation of the bus stop will address the problem of illegal waiting and loading in the existing bus lay-by and upgrading of the paved areas will improve the look and feel of the centre, it said.

Work will be carried out in sections, starting on the western side of Linthorpe Road between Chipchase Road and Benson Street.

Temporary traffic signals may be required during off-peak periods to ensure that works can be carried out safely.

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for transport, said: "As well as addressing long-standing road safety issues, the scheme has been designed to make Linthorpe village a much more pedestrian-friendly place, encouraging more visits to be made on foot and complementing the traffic calming scheme introduced in the area to the west of Linthorpe Road last year."

Subject to funding, phase two of the scheme, between Benson Street and St. Barnabas' Road, will be implemented during the 2011/12 financial year.