Northumberland County Council has announced it will submit a revised outline business case (OBC) for the Blyth relief road to the UK’s Department for Transport for review and approval next month.
The formal submission will follow the approval of the county council budget in February 2025.
The proposed scheme involves the construction of a new dual carriageway and the widening of the existing A1061 road from a single to dual carriageway.
Additionally, a new single-carriageway link between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive is also proposed.
The development aims to alleviate local congestion, reduce travel times for cars and buses, enhance walking and cycling opportunities, and support future growth in Blyth.
Blyth and the surrounding area are also experiencing regenerations with the ‘arrival’ of the Northumberland Line and the £90m ($109m) Energising Blyth programme.
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By GlobalDataAdditional developments include a multibillion-pound green energy investment and a planned new data centre on the north side of the river Blyth.
The relief road is anticipated to be completed by 2027.
Following feedback from the Department for Transport last year, the council has updated its OBC to include revised traffic modelling post-Covid and additional details on how the road will integrate with other local projects such as the Northumberland line and new cycling paths.
The local council cabinet has also committed £720,000 for the detailed design and development of the scheme, along with the preparation of necessary planning application documentation.
Northumberland County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Supporting Business and Opportunities Richard Wearmouth 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.”
In August 2024, Blyth’s market pavilion reached a construction milestone with the completion of its steel frame.
This development is part of the wider Energising Blyth programme, with Kier appointed as the main contractor for the cultural venue in Northumberland.
