Left in the lurch at every turn

Oct 15 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Institute of Civil Engineers has looked at almost every aspect of North East transport and found the Government wanting on most issues.

Experts at ICE say the last major investment projects completed with public funds were the Tyneside Western Bypass in 1991 and the Metro expansion to Sunderland in 2002. They add that because regional transport funds are handed out on a population basis, “the North East, with its low population density relative to the rest of the UK, will always be at a disadvantage”.

The report points to a “capacity crisis” on roads and rail calls for renewed investment in transport infrastructure.

The North East hit list includes junction improvements at the A19 to meet expected demand from the new Tyne Tunnel, upgrading the A1 to motorway standard and more train capacity.

Also on the list is the upgrading of the rail line between Newcastle and Teesside, investment in public transport and an extension of the Metro to Washington and Durham.