Business Case For Blyth Relief Road In Northumberland To Be Submitted

Plans for the long-awaited Blyth Relief Road have taken a significant step forward as Northumberland County Council has announced its intention to submit an Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Department for Transport (DfT).

This decision follows the approval of the County Council’s budget in February.

The proposed relief road is part of a multi-million-pound infrastructure project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Blyth, a town that has long struggled with heavy vehicle volumes on its main routes. The new dual carriageway, intended to replace the currently congested single lane along the A1061, will also involve widening existing stretches to accommodate dual carriageway standards. Additional plans include constructing a new single carriageway link between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive.

Local traffic issues have been a growing concern for the Council, with both the A193 Cowpen Road and A1061 Laverock Hall Road experiencing daily traffic flow exceeding 20,000 vehicles. With a predicted surge in traffic related to the delivery of Blyth’s Local Plan, the current road infrastructure is at risk of becoming increasingly inadequate, prompting the need for this relief road.

The proposed realignment and dualling of the A1061 aims to create a direct connection between the A192 Three Horseshoes Roundabout and the A193 South Beach, which is seen as crucial not only for relieving congestion but also for facilitating economic growth in the region.

Blyth Relief Road Scheme Overall Visual

This project is aligned with other local developments, including the Northumberland Line project and initiatives designed to improve cycling and walking paths in the area.

As a part of the Major Road Network (MRN), the Blyth Relief Road is eligible for funding from the DfT’s National Roads Fund (NRF), earmarked for significant improvements on some of the UK’s busiest ‘A’ roads.

Blyth is currently undergoing extensive regeneration efforts, including a £90M project named “Energising Blyth”, alongside a multi-billion-pound investment in green energy projects and the establishment of a new data centre on the north bank of the River Blyth.

Construction of the relief road is estimated to be completed by 2027, contingent on the receipt of necessary approvals. Following feedback from the DfT, the Council has updated its OBC to reflect changing traffic patterns post-COVID and to ensure it aligns with other regional schemes.

To facilitate the project, the Council has allocated £720,000 for detailed design work and the preparation of planning application materials. Preliminary designs for the road alignment and junctions have been completed, incorporating footpaths and cycleways, with further developments in landscaping and drainage also underway.

An official planning application is expected to be submitted by April or May.

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.”

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