Government decision on Blyth Relief Road funding expected soon

The long-awaited upgrades aimed at alleviating congestion issues were given the green light by council planners last month.

However, the future of the project hinges on whether the Department for Transport will provide the necessary cash to fund the £60 million scheme.

The project will see the construction of a new dual carriageway at the western end of the A1061, connecting the A192 Three Horseshoes junction and the A1061 Portland Wynd roundabout.

Road widening of the existing single carriageway to dual carriageway will also be carried along the length of the A1061. In addition, a new single carriageway link between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive will be constructed.

Speaking at the council’s corporate services and economic growth scrutiny committee, council leader Glen Sanderson said he was hopeful that the funding package would be approved.

He said: “This has been something the county council have been working on for a lot of years, preparing the ground and preparing the business case and investing significant sums of council money to get to the stage where we are now.

“We are very optimistic that this Government will support the business case we’re going to put forward. I know any of you that either live in, near or go to Blyth will know the urgent need to get traffic off Cowpen Road and reduce that bottleneck that has been created, and causes nuisance and dismay amongst many drivers.

“This is an absolutely essential next step for Blyth. This is very important, it’s about delivering more to the town and that area, but primarily we don’t want people to have to suffer going down Cowpen Road any more – it is just ridiculous.

“It is the perfect example of where money needs to be invested to control traffic. The money should be put forward by Government and I’m hoping very much that they will see the sense in it.”

Officers said detailed design work on the scheme was 90% complete, and work with contractors was ongoing albeit paused subject to the funding confirmation. Negotiations to purchase land is ongoing and the council’s cabinet have approved powers to make compulsory purchases where necessary.

The council has applied for funding under the Department for Transport’s Major Road Network fund. A decision is expected in June – if rejected, the council could seek alternative funding via the North East Combined Authority.

It is anticipated that work would start next autumn, with a view to completion in spring 2029.

Reform UK councillor Stephen Flower said: “I think it is fantastic. Anybody who has driven through Blyth at certain times of the day knows it needs this relief road.

“It’s a brilliant idea. We’re doing this because the traffic is terrible going through Blyth and it makes an impact on residents.”