FULL dualling of the A1 through Northumberland would create a vital “economic highway” between Edinburgh and Teesside – and help the North East bridge the gap with more prosperous regions, it is claimed.
The recent re-classification of the A1 north of Tyneside offers new hope of finally tackling a situation which leaves Northumberland as an “economic cul-de-sac” in terms of transport, according to a senior county councillor.
Last month the Government confirmed that the road between Newcastle and the Scottish Border has been made a route of strategic national importance, following years of campaigning.
It is hoped the switch from being classified as only a regionally important route could open the door to extra funding – although there is no guarantee money will be found to dual the road.
Now Coun Alan Thompson, Northumberland County Council’s executive member for highways, says campaigners must focus on the strong economic case for finally getting the A1 fully dualled.
He made his call in a presentation to a Tyneside conference organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), which examined fears that the economic development of the North East could be stalled by poor transport links.
Coun Thompson said “economic highways” now linked Glasgow, Edinburgh and Carlisle, and were in place in the North West and South East.
“The A1 between Newcastle and Edinburgh is the only road in Great Britain that is not in the economic loop,” he told the conference.
“For decades, the decision makers, and short-sighted economic ambition, has blighted our prospects because the obvious has not been recognised. Instead of developing a business plan for 21st century business in the North East, the Department for Transport tell us that the levels of road usage on the existing A1 is inadequate to justify the level of investment required.
“Because we as a region have never previously put our case effectively, Government departments have come to see the A1 as a cul-de-sac that ends just north of Newcastle. We have to change that view.
“An economic highway between Teesside and Edinburgh would also impact on a wide range of other issues that need to be thought through in our business plan for the North East and Scotland. The sooner we get moving on this concept the better so that, for the first time, our region will be able to fulfil its potential,” he added.
Yesterday he said: “It has taken us years to get the road re-classified and it is now up to us to lobby for the finance to do the job.”
ICE spokeswoman Nicola Railton said the Newcastle conference would be used to help draft a briefing sheet on the main transport priorities for the North East, which would be used as a lobbying tool with the Government.
