The public will be invited to have their say on plans for a new route for the Blyth Relief Road. 
 

The new road, which could start being built in 2024 and be open by 2026, would speed up journey times, improve road safety, support and complement public transport services and increased active travel and improve air quality by cutting traffic congestion.  
 

The Council has been aware of traffic problems entering and leaving Blyth for several years, with the two main roads into the town, the A193 Cowpen Road and A1061 Laverock Hall Road seeing over 20,000 vehicles a day on each road.  
 

A previous feasibility study into a new relief road put forward several route options. The preferred route at the time would have gone from Princess Louise Road to the A189 ‘Three Horseshoes’ roundabout.  
 

However, following further design and consultation on this route, a series of risks materialised that have prevented it from being taken forward, most notably a new housing development along the route. 
 

Now Cabinet have agreed that Route 5, which involves the realignment of the existing A1061 Laverock Hall Road to provide a direct dual carriageway connection between the A189 Three Horse Shoes roundabout and the A193 South Beach is the preferred option. 
 

As part of the scheme there would also be a new complementary link between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive, also joining up with Tynedale Drive. 
 

And as well as improving journey times for motorists and public transport operators the route would include a segregated cycle path and footway and dualling of a proposed bridge which crosses what will become the Northumberland Line.  
 

The route will also improve accessibility to the new railway station and parking that will be constructed at South Newsham as part of the reopening of the Northumberland Line passenger rail service. 
 

Now the proposals will be put to the public at engagement events this summer, with residents and businesses encouraged to have their say on the new route – both in-person and online. 
 

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, said: “Blyth plays a key role in our county as an economic powerhouse but to maximise its potential we need to have the right infrastructure in place – and that includes enabling people to get in and out quickly and safely. 
 

“A new relief road would be a great boost for the town, making journeys easier for thousands of drivers each day as well as making it more attractive to new businesses.” 
 

“There is still a long way to go on this project but we are fully focused on making this happen and we’re looking forward to consulting on the scheme in the coming months.” 
 

An Outline Business Case for the scheme will be submitted to the Department for Transport this month.