Relief road scheme takes next steps
14 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Plans for Blyth Relief Road are moving forward after agreement to submit an Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Department for Transport for review and approval.
The submission will be made to Government following approval of the County Council budget in February.
The proposed multi-million pound 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.
The town and surrounding area is already undergoing massive regeneration, with the arrival of the Northumberland Line, "Energising Blyth”, a £90m regeneration programme to transform the town, a multi-billion pound investment in green energy and a planned new data centre on the north side of the River Blyth.
Current forecasts estimate completion of the new relief road in 2027.
Following Department for Transport feedback last year, the Council refreshed its OBC to update traffic modelling following Covid and provide more detail on how it links with other schemes in the area, such as the Northumberland Line and new cycle corridors.
Cabinet also agreed £720,000 to enable detailed design and development of the scheme and preparation of the planning application documentation.
Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities, said: “Blyth is playing an increasingly key role in our county as an economic powerhouse and to maximise its potential we need to have the right infrastructure in place.
“Our latest Benefit to Cost Ratio calculations show the scheme will provide high value for money, giving us optimism that we have a strong strategic case to take to Government.
“This is another milestone in this ambitious project which will make journeys easier for thousands of drivers each day as well as making it more attractive to new businesses and boosting both the town and the region’s economy.”