Extra cash for Northumberland coast cycle route set to be signed off in £18.6m investment package

It emerged last week that the price tag for the proposed A193 seafront cycling corridor, which would provide a connection all the way from Blyth into Whitley Bay, had jumped from £9.7million to £13.5 million.

The rising costs have been blamed on inflation that has hit the construction industry, as well as extra features added to the project during its design.

A revised funding package for the scheme is now expected to be agreed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and her cabinet next Tuesday, as part of an £18.6million investment into walking and cycling routes.

The seafront cycle route will provide a segregated space for walking, cycling and wheeling between Blyth and Old Hartley, along with improved crossing points and bus stops.

Additions to the project have included an extension to the initial proposals from Foundation Head Roundabout towards Seaton Delaval Hall, an active travel link to Seaton Sluice Middle School, and upgrades to public toilets including shower facilities.

Council leaders will be asked at a North East mayoral authority cabinet meeting in Chester-le-Street to agree a reallocation of £5.5million to cover its costs, taking the authority’s total contribution to £11.7million. Northumberland County Council is also due to pay £1.7million.

A report ahead of the meeting states: “This scheme will improve the coastal cycling route between Blyth and St Mary’s, making it safer for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Improvements include wider segregated space for different users, better surfaces and safe enhanced crossing points. The route forms part of a longer coastal path linking communities across the North East from Northumberland, through North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.”

The mayoral authority also plans to award £4.5million to active travel upgrades in Sunderland, connecting St Peter’s Metro Station, the city centre and the Stadium of Light.

That will include safer and clearer places to cross roads, better links to nearby streets such as North Bridge Street, and improved walking and cycling routes along Dame Dorothy Street.

Approval is also due for a £103,000 scheme to reopen a closed section of the Bowes Railway Path, meaning walkers will not have to take a 1.25 mile diversion from the route linking Kibblesworth to Birtley.

A further £2.25million will also be allocated to safety measures outside 16 schools across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside.

The mayoral authority report adds: “In total this package will deliver 4.92 miles of new and improved walking and cycling routes, 21 new road crossings and 19 upgraded existing road crossings. It also includes targeted improvements around schools, helping children and families travel more safely and supporting wider priorities such as reducing child poverty and improving safety for women and girls.”