Sign-off for £55m Blyth Relief Road

Supported by Mott Macdonald, the project will deliver a new road link between the A192 Three Horseshoes roundabout and the A1061 Portland Wynd roundabout, alongside significant upgrades to the existing A1061 corridor.

The scheme forms part of wider efforts to address long-standing traffic issues in Blyth and support the town’s regeneration, including the £70m Energising Blyth programme focused on renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Northumberland Council has approved £4.3m of funding from its own purse, and it is hoped the government will provide the remaining £50m – with a decision set for the summer.

The council’s cabinet also authorised a CPO and a side roads order for the project, with the SRO authorising the necessary alterations to the existing highway network.

Works will include 1.3km of new dual carriageway and the widening of 3.2km of single carriageway to dual carriageway between Portland Wynd and the A193 Links Road roundabout.

A separate element of the project will see a new single carriageway constructed between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive in west Blyth.

The approved plans also feature junction improvements, including the realignment of two roundabouts near Newsham Station and upgrades to four signalised junctions.

A new bridge over the Northumberland Line railway will be built, while walking and cycling provision will be enhanced through a 2.7km segregated cycle route and parallel footpath.

Additional works include landscaping, drainage systems and targeted road lighting at key junctions along the route.

A Blyth Transport Appraisal was completed in 2015, however due to various issues including land ownership, an approved route and planning application wasn’t submitted until summer 2025.