MAJOR improvement works are set to start on a key Middlesbrough town centre route.
The upgrades will be made to the section of Borough Road between Albert Road and Jedburgh Street, with work due to start on Monday (February 6).
The scheme will see the existing carriageway reduced from four lanes to two near Teesside University’s Central Halls student accommodation block, with the existing puffin crossing near the Gazette Buildings relocated to a point directly outside the Central Halls.
A dedicated lane for right-turning traffic will be introduced at the junction of Borough Road and Woodlands Road and the bus stop near the University’s Stephenson Building will be moved to accommodate the new layout.
The new road layout will have a number of benefits, including the creation of a more ‘pedestrian friendly’ environment through the reallocation of part of the existing road space from carriageway to footpath.
Vehicle speeds will be reduced, while the dedicated right-turn lane at Woodlands Road will ease the movement of eastbound traffic along Borough Road.
The scheme has been developed in partnership with Teesside University, which is meeting part of the overall cost.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Middlesbrough’s road network is vital to the town’s viability as the commercial and cultural heart of the Tees Valley.
“That’s why we are constantly seeking to maintain and improve our roads, working closely with partners such as Teesside University who share our vision for the future of the town.
“While every effort will be made to reduce the impact of the works to a minimum, some disruption is inevitable given the nature of the scheme and the fact that Borough Road is busy throughout the day.
“I apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by these important improvements, and I’m grateful to road users for their patience and understanding.”
Work on the Borough Road improvement scheme is due to start on Monday, February 6, with completion expected by the end of March.