Green light for safety improvements at notorious junction on the A1 in Northumberland
A junction considered by many to be one of the most dangerous sections of the A1 in Northumberland is to be upgraded.
The improvements to be carried out by National Highways will target the southbound section at the Guyzance/Swarland junction, which has seen at least 19 casualties since 2005.
Last month, a motorhome was filmed performing a dangerous U-turn on the dual carriageway after going the wrong way along the carriageway.
David Smith, North Northumberland MP said: “After two years of lobbying, and decades of unsafe driving, I’m delighted to hear that the dangerous junction at Guyzance will be improved.
“Guyzance is one of the worst junctions from Morpeth to Berwick - and there’s some competition for that title.
"We’ve had years of inaction because of the long-dangled dualling, but now Northumberland residents will finally be getting a safer drive on the A1.”
The proposed dualling project under the previous government restricted the works that could be taken on much of the A1 from 2014-2024, making this the first major safety project on the road in over a decade.
The announcement came as part of a National Highways tour of the A1, organised by the MP, and which included stops at Beal, Charlton Hall and Guyzance.
Earlier this month, when responding to Mr Smith in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would instruct Number 10 North to look at an ‘alternative way’ for funding a full dualling of the A1.
Mr Smith said: “I hope the Prime Minister’s comments in Parliament will unlock further options for the A1. In the meantime I’m focusing on sensible safety improvements that get spades in the ground, like at Guyzance.
“I also appreciated hearing about further plans for the A1 today from National Highways today, and look forward to seeing more safety works soon.”
Works are expected to begin in 2027.