A1 plans to improve Newcastle journeys
The A1 between Scotswood and North Brunton will be upgraded to provide better journeys for motorists, Highways England has announced today
The plans to upgrade the road will improve safety while supporting economic growth in the region.
The Highways England plans will improve journeys through Newcastle by adding an extra lane along a 5-mile stretch of the existing dual carriageway from Scotswood, just after the River Tyne, up to North Brunton.
Around 750 people came along to the public information events, including residents, community groups, local businesses, and councillors.
Questionnaires were filled out by 272 people with 73% of respondents agreeing there is a need for improvements.
Highways England project manager Charlotte Taylor said:
"This is an exciting scheme that will help improve motorists’ journeys and cut congestion near Newcastle.
"As part of this scheme we have held a number of public engagement events, including ones for residents living near Birchfield Gardens about the possibility of closing the access road and we have concluded that the access road will remain open.
"There are a number of options for the design of the access road and these will now be developed along with the rest of the scheme and further engagement will take place next year.
"The overall improvements will provide additional capacity, improve journey times and safety while supporting economic growth in the region."
Further information events will be held in autumn 2018 towards the end of preliminary design stage. Work is expected to start by March 2020.
For more information please visit the scheme website, where a copy of the scheme announcement brochure can be found.
People who would like a hard copy of the announcement brochure can pick one up from reception at the following venues:
• Lemington Resource Centre
• Outer West Community Centre
• Blakelaw Community Centre
• Kingston Park Community Centre
• Fawdon Community Centre
• Team Valley Retail Park, Axis Building
• Washington Services
• Great Park Community Centre
• Gosforth Library and Learning Centre
• Denton Burn Community Association
• Scotswood Centre
• City Library, Charles Avison Building