Fury over time taken for work on busy road

ROADWORKS LIKE 'MARIE CELESTE', SAYS RESIDENT

- By DANIEL HODGSON

AN angry resident has hit out at a lengthy temporary lane closure on a busy Middlesbrough road.

Tom Allan described the situation as “like the Marie Celeste”, saying that on the occasions he has popped down to have a look, he had never seen anyone working there.

As has been reported, Ladgate Lane has seen the closure of a section of one side of the road, following damage to a culvert below the carriageway, with temporary traffic lights in operation throughout the closure.

A contractor has now been appointed, with design work and a full repair expected to take around seven months. The westbound lane is currently closed just before the railway bridge at Marton station.

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council said that the lane closure was unavoidable due to serious public safety concerns following the development of a significant structural defect.

They added that the repairs require a period of preparation before work can start.

Retiree Mr Allan, 74, was asked about worsening traffic at the site and said: “I myself was hit with it once, obviously you learn that lesson - never again!”

He said that the temporary traffic lights had been installed “probably about eight to ten weeks ago”.