Image demonstrating Blyth Relief Road moves a step closer

Blyth Relief Road moves a step closer

Detailed design work is to get underway on a multi-million pound scheme to ease congestion in Blyth.

After widespread consultation, councillors have confirmed the preferred route for the Blyth Relief Road - which would stretch from Princess Louise Road to the A189 ‘Three Horseshoes’ roundabout.

Construction on the £22m scheme could start in March 2023 and be open to traffic a year later.

The ambitious scheme would alleviate increasing traffic problems for vehicles entering and leaving Blyth which have got steadily worse over recent years.

 

The two main roads into the town each carry over 20,000 vehicles a day and both suffer from heavy 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. 

 

Council Leader Peter Jackson welcomed the progress, adding: “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.”

 

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, said: “This is another major milestone in this project and we now have clear direction on the preferred route.

 

“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.”

 

A high level feasibility study was carried out on five route options, with three of these being taken forward for detailed appraisal. 

 

Earlier this year a series of consultations were held with stakeholders and the general public, with nearly 800 people responding. Over 90% agreed the town would benefit from a new relief road, with 59% agreeing with the council’s preferred route.

 

Councillor Wearmouth added: “There is still a long way to go on this scheme but we can now focus on carrying out detailed design work and addressing the risks and concerns raised. Following this we’ll be going back to the public for further consultation.”


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