£19m boost for county's roads and paths

01 Feb 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Improvements to roads, bridges and footpaths across Northumberland are the cornerstones of the coming year’s ambitious Local Transport Plan (LTP).

A total of £18.6m is set to be invested in a raft of repair, restoration and maintenance projects benefiting pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in all parts of the county.

Headline schemes include introducing 20mph limits outside many schools, streetscape and parking improvements in Blyth town centre, a safe crossing for children at Riding Mill, a new roundabout at Manor Walks in Cramlington and new safety measures at up to 18 locations which are accident hotspots.

A number of key bridges are set to be improved, such as Berwick Old Bridge and Ford Bridge in the north of the county and refurbishment of the Klondyke underbridge at Cramlington.

A further £490,000 is earmarked for improving public rights of way county-wide, which will include the resurfacing of the popular Eve Black cycleway and footpath that runs through the dunes between Seaton Sluice and Blyth.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “We’re delighted to be able to put forward such an ambitious and wide range of improvement projects for the coming year.

“The projects range from creating new bus stops to walking and cycling schemes along with major junction and safety schemes.

“From Riding Mill to Blyth, and Cornhill to Cramlington, these schemes are designed to improve not just our roads network but also the safety for our residents right across the County.

“The LTP funding, added to the recent £7.7m contribution from the government for highways repairs means we’ll be spending over £26m on our roads over the next 12 months.”

To see the full list of planned projects across the county GO HERE

The draft LTP programme will be considered by the Local Area Councils across the county at their meetings in February before being finalised.