Northumberland sets out transport wish list

Posted by The Journal on May 20, 09 10:00 AM in News

Traffic on the A1 near Eshott Four transport schemes in Northumberland - with a total cost of almost ÃÂ£141m - have been included in a new "wish list" document setting out future priorities for Government funding in the county.

The projects aim to provide upgraded road links for key regeneration and development sites, improve connectivity to Tyneside and Scotland or reduce urban traffic congestion.

They have all been placed firmly on the regional agenda after being included in a county council submission aimed at influencing how ÃÂ£600bn in Government funding is spent in the North East over the next 10 years.

The schemes are:

The ÃÂ£35.8m Morpeth Northern Bypass, which would provide a direct link from the A1 to Ashington and open up the development potential of former NHS land in Morpeth.

A ÃÂ£30m Blyth Central Link Road aimed at supporting housing-led regeneration along the town's riverside, cutting traffic delays into the town centre and reducing air pollution.

A ÃÂ£35m South-East Northumberland public transport corridor, which would upgrade the A189 spine road to improve links to Tyneside and support major schemes such as the new Northumberland College in Ashington and renewable energy sector expansion in Blyth.

A ÃÂ£40m, A696 bypass for Ponteland to reduce "unacceptable" levels of heavy traffic in the town centre and improve connections to south east Scotland.

The Morpeth bypass scheme has been included in the region's wish list for Government funding, while the A189 project has been put on the standby list. The other two schemes take their place further down the queue for future funding.

Yesterday Northumberland County Council leader Jeff Reid said: "We have put these schemes back on the regional agenda by including them in our submission. If they are not on a list they will never happen, but now it has been recognised regionally that these schemes are important."

Ponteland Town Council chairman Robin Ramsay said: "We have been waiting since the 1930s for a bypass and at least it is back on the agenda. If you look at the congestion in the centre of Ponteland it is getting worse and clogging the place up. There is a real need for a bypass."

The county's submission to the 2009 Regional Funding Advice also includes strong support for further A1 dualling, including between Morpeth and Felton, and the proposed reintroduction of passenger trains on the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne freight line.

It also covers major housing-led regeneration schemes in Blyth and Ashington, investment in market towns, investing in Blyth's renewable energy sector and promoting the county's tourism industry.

Coun Reid said the county's submission was an early example of the benefits of having one authority for Northumberland.

"This is an important way in which we can influence and shape Government priorities in transport, housing and regeneration, skills and economic development," he said.

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1 Comments

martyjg said:

Never mind roads what about rail.
Okay here's my plan for rail in the north east(northumberland only if possible).Reinvent steam trains open up the old lines, the pathways are still there. Tourism would really take off and bring 10s of millions to the region. And all could be paid for by the EU redevelopment fund/lottery grants etc. Anybody in NCC got any better ideas? I doubt it! It would obviously help NLD infrastructure immensely.
NCC if you need help with the figures drop me a line. I am always ready to help you do your job for you if you wish.

July 27, 2009 2:42 PM