Public consultation on options for A1 dualling this year

David Cameron, near the A1, north of Morpeth.

Prime Minister David Cameron pledged £290million to complete the dualling of the road between Morpeth and Ellingham in December 2015.

Since then, Highways England has been carrying out preparatory work.

In a recent letter to update county councillors, Nanette Quarmby, project manager for the A1 in Northumberland, wrote that the aim is to consult with the public this autumn.

She added: ‘We are making good progress with our review and consideration of potential improvement options north of Ellingham and the development of potential options for converting the single carriageway to dual carriageway between Morpeth to Felton and Alnwick and Brownieside.

‘Traffic surveys were undertaken in November 2015 to inform development of the option proposals, and to enable us to carry out the appropriate assessments. Environmental surveys will also begin at the end of February.

‘Please note that the current work to assess and consider potential options has yet to be completed.

‘Current surveys, scheme cost estimates and appraisal of options need to be properly assessed so that each step of the option identification process leaves no risk of exposure to unnecessary cost, or even failure, through the statutory development consent order process.’