MINISTERS are under pressure to provide upgrade cash for the Western Bypass now or consign the road to go 10 years without investment.
Newcastle and Gateshead are lobbying transport ministers seeking money to prepare the way for an eventual relief road to be built to ease the region’s most notorious stretch of road.
The A1 Western Bypass from Lobley Hill to the A184 Askew Road is the nation’s third most congested route, beaten only by the M25 toll road crossings of the Thames.
Despite the 123,400 vehicles using the Western bypass every day – seeing the road operate at three times its maximum capacity – it has repeatedly failed to attract investment.
Now the Government has been told the Western Bypass must feature in an upcoming review of development funds for future schemes.
A letter from Newcastle Council to the Department for Transport makes clear that if this chance is not taken, ministers will effectively have ruled out any chance of helping motorists for the next decade.
The letter from council leader Nick Forbes says: “The A1 Western Bypass is a regionally important strategic link, serving Tyne and Wear’s major employment and shopping centres and key gateways such as Newcastle Airport.
“Our current situation leaves the area with no mechanism to progress design of this scheme for the next 10 years, and we will therefore be unable to firmly establish its costs and benefits and consequently investigate innovative options for its delivery.”
Newcastle City Council officers have been working with staff from Gateshead Council to press for Government help in preparing the business case for a £75m relief road.
Gateshead says the lack of investment in the Western Bypass has made it difficult to open up land near the Metrocentre for further investment, forcing the council to focus on green belt land instead.
Last night Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry said: “Representatives of Gateshead Council have been lobbying the Department for Transport about an extension to the A1 Western Bypass at Lobley Hill for some time.
“Correspondence between us and the department is ongoing and we have met with senior Government officials to discuss our aspirations. We hope to reach a resolution that is right for Gateshead and the wider North East region as soon as possible.”
Roads Minister Mike Penning has said the Government is already investing in transport networks such as that on Tyneside.
In a statement he said: “Before schemes get the go-ahead there needs to be a rigorous appraisal of costs to ensure that we get maximum value for money for every pound we spend.
“One way in which schemes can be helped is through greater local and private-sector contributions.
“I recognise the importance of the A1 Western Bypass and the department and Highways Agency will continue to work closely with local authorities to improve the performance of this route.”
I recognise the importance of the Western Bypass and will work to improve this route
