Image demonstrating Public invited to find out more about Blyth Relief Road plans

Public invited to find out more about Blyth Relief Road plans

Residents are being invited to find out more about multi-million pound plans to ease congestion in Blyth.

Two public consultation events on proposals for a new relief road are being held later this month to help establish the best route in and out of the town.

The County Council has been aware of traffic problems entering and leaving Blyth for many years.

The two main roads into the town, the A193 Cowpen Road and A1061 Laverock Hall Road each carry over 20,000 vehicles a day and both suffer from congestion during peak periods.

This adversely affects the economic growth of the area, the movement of people and goods, particularly to and from the Port of Blyth, and also has a harmful effect upon the environment through exhaust emissions.

The reliability of buses is also affected, particularly during peak hours, when services can be delayed.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, said: “Blyth is continuing to grow as a place to live, visit and do business, but the road infrastructure is struggling to cope and we have to work towards major long-term improvements.

“A new relief road would be a great boost for the town, as well as making it more attractive to new businesses, and we want local residents to play their part in the process.”

A high level feasibility study has now been carried out on five route options, with three of these being taken forward for detailed appraisal. The council believes one of these routes provides the most benefits but it wants to hear the public’s views.

A new North/South route which largely follows the route of the disused rail line has also been put forward which could potentially reduce congestion on the A193 Rotary Way.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, added: “The traffic problems around Blyth are well-known and we’re keen to find the best option for a new relief road which will make such a difference.

“These are early stages but we’d encourage as many people as possible to come along, find out more and let us know what they think.”

The events, which will include detailed drawings of the route options and the opportunity to speak to officers involved in the project, are on:

Wednesday 20th February at Spartan Sports Hall, Croftway Primary Academy, William Street, NE24 2HP, from 11am to 7pm
 
Thursday 21st February at  Bede Academy Sixth Form Centre, Bede Academy, Sixth Avenue, NE24 2SY,  from 11am to 7pm.

 
The proposals will also go online after the event with the option of completing an electronic  survey.

Following the consultation a preferred route will be selected which will then be progressed further through design and planning so the council is in a position to bid for Government funding as and when it’s available to secure its development.

More information about the scheme is available at www.northumberland.gov.uk/blythroad
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