MP calls for dangerous stretch of A1 in Northumberland to be dualled

The Conservative representative has written to Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin MP, urging him to include Mousen Bends, to the south of Belford, in the package of improvement works.

This section is one of the most dangerous on the A1 and numerous people have lost their lives there.

The £290million scheme involves dualling the A1 north of Morpeth as far as Ellingham – but not as far as Mounsen Bends – as well as improvements to the trunk road further north, such as additional overtaking lanes and improvements to junctions.

The Highways England’s A1 in Northumberland team recently held a series of roadshows to present possible route options for the dualled road and to seek local knowledge of junctions in need of improvement. It is hoped that full dualling will follow in due course.

Mrs Trevelyan, who was briefed on the options prior to the roadshows, told the team that Mousen Bends was the stretch of the A1 she had the most concerns about.

Anne-Marie said: “I made clear to the Highways England team that Mousen Bends is the most dangerous stretch of the A1 in my constituency with a high rate of accidents and near misses. Almost everyone who contacted me in the wake of the roadshows expressed their concerns that Mousen Bends has not been included in the improvement works.

“I understand that this is because the scope of the scheme allows for the dualling itself, and improvements to junctions, which leaves Mousen Bends outside the terms of the project. That is why I have asked the Secretary of State to consider including Mousen Bends in the works, or making additional funds available to carry out the work.”

On Saturday, the Gazette reported the comments of Berwick councillor Gavin Jones, who was concerned that the dualling programme does not include the Mousen Bends.

Earlier this year, concerns were raised at Belford Parish Council about this section not being included in the dualling scheme.