Refreshed business case for Blyth Relief Road

07 Jun 2024

The Council is moving forward with its plans for Blyth Relief Road as it works to refresh its outline business case. 

The proposed scheme involves the construction of a new dual carriageway and road widening of the existing single carriageway to dual carriageway along the length of the A1061. In addition, it is proposed to construct a new single carriageway link between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive. 

The scheme aims to reduce local congestion, reduce car and bus journey times, offer greater walking and cycling opportunities and support opportunities for future growth in Blyth. 

Following Department for Transport feedback earlier this year, the Council is now refreshing its Outline Business Case to update traffic modelling following COVID, reflect on the consultation programme held last Autumn and provide more detail on how it links with other schemes in the area, such as the Northumberland Line and new cycle corridors. 

A revised programme for the project is being developed at present with a view to a planning application being submitted towards the end of the year. 

Meanwhile, part of the scheme’s public consultation last autumn included a proposal to close the southbound slip road onto the A189 (Shankhouse) due to it being below modern design standards.  

There were significant concerns raised about this proposal due to the importance of this access to the A189, particularly for residents living west of the main road.  

Further assessment of traffic modelling, accident statistics and potential minor improvements has now concluded that the Shankhouse slip road should remain open in future plans.  

The updated Outline Business Case will therefore now include retention of the southbound slip road onto the A189 (Shankhouse) as part of the submission to DfT.