Middlesbrough’s ambitious plans for growth will be matched by a fit for purpose and resilient transport network, a new report sets out.
The Middlesbrough Integrated Transport Plan will be considered by members of the Council’s Executive today.
The high-level document outlines how the borough’s road network and transport system will develop up to 2038, alongside planned growth in jobs, leisure and housing in Middlesbrough.
The plan aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality and assist with the social and economic regeneration of the town.
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Regeneration, said: “This plan allows us to deliver future sustainable transport programmes across our borough, which we need to succeed in our plans to make the town healthier, safer and more ambitious.
“As we continue to build new opportunities in Middlesbrough we need a transport system to match them – dealing with traffic and public transport while also encouraging people to get fit and active through cycling or other modes of active travel.”
The plan is backed by funding from the Incentive Capital Growth programme from the Department for Transport, which is built into Council budgets.
The focus on active travel will see a further focus on cycling, improving safe routes across the borough.
A consultation is under way about the future of the Linthorpe Road cycle lane, but the Council remains committed to increasing cycling provision across Middlesbrough, in the right locations.
Children’s Bikeability training will be on offer for all schools who request it, while road safety training and opportunities to get older people into cycling will be available.
Bus ‘super stops’ will be installed in key locations across Middlesbrough, like the railway station, Middlehaven, Riverside Park, James Cook University Hospital and in district centres across the borough.
They will include CCTV, safe and secure lighting, and secure cycle parking.
Bus travel will be encouraged with new routes, a ‘bus hub’ around the Parkway Centre in the south of the town, and new travel plans to incentivise individuals to use public transport.
There are also plans to ensure everyone in Middlesbrough lives within a 10-minute walk of a bus service, with at least a 30-minute frequency.
The Integrated Transport Plan also aims to capitalise on the major refurbishment of Middlesbrough Railway Station and new direct routes to London and increased services to local towns and cities.
Car use remains an important part of the plan, and while the aim is to get more people out of their cars, drivers will be supported with the right parking provision in key locations and expanded provision of EV charging points.
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