New A1 study identifies dualling could bring millions more in benefits for Northumberland
A technical study carried out to support the push for future dualling of the A1 in Northumberland has shown that increasing the capacity of the road could provide more than £200million in previously unidentified benefits.
A previous appraisal on dualling the stretch between Morpeth and Ellingham had already showed overall benefits of around £280million at today’s rates – covering a range of metrics such as journey time savings and reduced accidents.
Now, new figures now show potential driver frustration benefits on top of this are between £200million to £225million over a 60-year period.
Based on a comparable study used on the A9 dualling project in Scotland, ‘driver frustration’ is calculated by three key factors – the presence of oncoming traffic, the degree to which travel is below their desired speed and the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in the traffic ahead.
Research shows that drivers place a value on avoiding these conditions and people are willing to pay for a smoother, less stressful journey.
Because of this, it is being argued that the benefits of road improvements can be measured not just by time saved, but also by the reduction in driver frustration.
If a scheme helps drivers travel at a more consistent speed and reduces delays, this improvement can be converted into a monetary value – showing the economic benefit of a better driving experience.
Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “This study clearly demonstrates to the Government why the business case for dualling is now more compelling than ever.
“The benefits to drivers, to the county, the region and the UK speak for themselves, while the appalling safety record and the dangerous and frustrating mix of dual and single carriageway are key reasons why we need the A1 dualled.
“Northumberland is thriving, but our main road through the county isn’t fit for purpose. Our study shows up to half a billion pounds of benefits could be generated.
“But the longer we wait for Government action, the more we will see the road getting snarled up, drivers either getting more frustrated or creating a burden on alternative routes and ultimately more lives being lost.
“Working alongside the Mayor, business leaders and politicians of all colours, we must continue to push for action.”
The study also found that casualty figures on the A1 (between Morpeth and Ellingham) are the highest for 10 years, with seven people killed in 2026 (just one less than the previous nine years combined), while traffic levels rose by over six per cent between 2018 and 2025 – with more than 21,000 vehicles a day using the road.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Local people don’t need to be told how dangerous it can be to drive along the A1 in Northumberland.
“Lives are being lost and although the solution – dualling the road – is obvious to everyone, action still isn’t being taken.
“Now we also know that poor road safety on the A1 is harming our economy, I will continue to push for a resolution.
“We must dual the A1 without delay.”