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Progress for Northumberland A1 dualling

The dualling of the A1 has moved a step closer to realisation following this week’s Spending Review.

A feasibility study into the proposals will now take place as part of the planned infrastructure works laid out by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

The announcement also included feasibility studies to ease traffic at the A1 Newcastle-Gateshead Western bypass and a plan to build a flyover at Testos roundabout.

Upgrade works will also take place on the A1 at Lobley Hill and work will go-ahead on connectivity between the the A19 and Coast Road at the Silverlink.

The Government also promised increased rail capacity on the East Coast Mainline from Newcastle.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Berwick-upon-Tweed and campaigner for the dualling of the A1 north of Newcastle, welcomed the news.

She said: Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who set up and leads the Dual the A1 Campaign, said: “I am pleased that the A1 dualling review is to be set in motion and that the detailed business case will now be drawn up. This is what the Dual the A1 Campaign has been calling for, and now we can get onto putting together the detailed programme of works.

“It is great news that our campaigning efforts have been heard but there is still ample work to do to ensure these promises are delivered. Our campaign efforts have now opened the door for us to work with Whitehall to make clear how Dualling the A1 will impact on the region & the UK’s future growth.”

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “The A19 upgrade at the Testos roundabout will aid access to Port of Tyne, Nissan and Tyne Tunnel II, while addressing congestion at the Silverlink junction will eradicate current bottleneck issues and ease access to North Tyneside’s business parks and firms along the North Bank of the Tyne.

“A feasibility study into dualling the A1 North of Newcastle is a major step in the right direction as are proposed upgrades to the East Coast Mainline.

“The additional investment in broadband will come as great news, particularly to rural businesses and likewise I would expect our two airports to benefit from the proposed £20m regional airport fund.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .