Minister warns transport projects set to hit red lights

Oct 16 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A LIST of vital transport projects lined up for the North East will have to be cut back, a minister has warned.

Businesses and council bosses will be asked to look again at a regional wishlist which includes A19 upgrades, a Morpeth Northern Bypass and plans to build the UK’s tallest bridge over the River Wear as the Government prepares to swing the axe.

Transport minister Norman Baker said the Labour Government had “grotesquely” over-committed itself to the list of previously approved projects.

The coalition Government has already banned the North East from carrying out any further preparation work on its regional funding allocation as it goes over the numbers looking for cuts.

The move by the Department for Transport means the £260m second Tyne Tunnel project could be undermined as experts warn the A19 will struggle to cope with the extra traffic the new link brings to the route. Under the previous Government some £200m had been approved for roundabout upgrades, including flyovers.

On a visit to Newcastle, Mr Baker said it would be unrealistic to expect the coalition Government to hand over more than £400m for North East projects.

The Liberal Democrat MP added: “Some of that money is already handed over, you did get a major investment in the Metro reinvigoration

“But everything from the previous Government was automatically frozen and will be subject to a new appraisal and we are negotiating with the Treasury now and then we will have certainty regarding specific schemes.

“The Government does recognise that capital investment is important but we are in a difficult financial situation.