Plans approved for new scheme connecting Blyth town centre to railway station
Councillors have approved plans that will see millions spent on a new active travel corridor in Blyth.
The project will see the town centre linked with the Blyth Bebside railway station on the popular Northumberland Line.
The corridor will also connect key employment sites as well as local schools.
The scheme is set to cost £6.9m, with £4.8m of this funded via external grants.
The council say that the project aims to “improve sustainable transport connectivity” by “enhancing walking, wheeling and cycling connections”. These improvements will “support regeneration while reducing car dependency, congestion and carbon emissions”.
Initially, the corridor was intended to follow Cowpen Road. However, due to concerns over the level of traffic already using the key route in and out of Blyth, the route will now use quieter residential streets to the south of Cowpen Road while still maintaining a direct link.
Speaking at the council’s cabinet, deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth said: “This will connect the town centre with the station at Bebside, passing various employment sites and schools as it goes.
“It will boost people’s ability to get around Blyth and connect to the Northumberland Line which is still recording huge patronage numbers. We’re seeing around 350,000 people a quarter which is well above our expectations – it’s a huge success.
“This is the preferred route and we will keep it away from Cowpen Road just to the south as it connects those two points. There will be more checking in with residents, making sure they’re understanding what is going on.”
The project is split into five phases of design development and construction delivery which the council say will “minimise disruption” when works take place. Phase 1 works are located on Chase Farm Drive with remaining phases moving from west to east towards the town Centre.
Council leader Glen Sanderson, Conservative, added: “This is part of a huge amount of investment in the town by the previous Government. I’m pleased that we’re going ahead with this and I’m pleased we have had consultation. I’m sure it will be a great addition to Blyth.”
Blyth has benefitted from a significant amount of Government funding in recent years. This includes the £90m Energising Blyth deal, £20.9m Town Deal funding and £11m from the Future High Streets Fund.