THE Government yesterday approved £103.5m to improve the region’s road network and boost the economy.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will provide £21m towards the Morpeth Northern Bypass, officially known as the South East Northumberland strategic link road. It will connect the A1 north of Morpeth with the south east of the county.
A further £82.5m will help pay for an iconic new bridge over the River Wear in Sunderland. It will be the tallest in England and Wales, with the highest tower measuring 187m.
Northumberland County Council leader Jeff Reid said: “The Government’s decision to part fund the link road is very good news indeed for both Northumberland residents and the business community.”
The county council said the new road would tackle congestion in Morpeth and in surrounding communities as well as unlock development sites to the north of the town currently jammed by transport and access problems. Hopes have also been raised the link will help kick-start the local housing market.
The Government will provide £21.1m towards the £30.1m project, with the county council providing the remainder. Construction will begin in early 2014 and finish the following year.
Council engineers developed proposals for the final section of the strategic link road following the completion of the Pegswood Bypass in 2007. It will join the A197 at Whorral Bank to the A1 south of Fairmoor.
Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith: “I am delighted with this decision, which will be excellent news for the North East’s economy.”
The decision was also welcomed last night by Coun Peter Jackson, leader of the Conservative group on the county council. He said: “This road will be key to future prosperity in Morpeth for the next 10 to 20 years, and will also be a major fillip for the Ashington area through a better transport link from the A1.”
