A landmark decision has been reached concerning the A1 dual-carriageway upgrade project.
- The transport secretary has approved Costain’s project to dual the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham.
- Costain was awarded the contract nearly three years prior, with initial works delayed until now.
- Key features of the project include new grade-separated junctions and bridges to enhance traffic flow.
- Environmental impacts have been assessed, with measures in place to mitigate concerns.
The much-anticipated approval for the A1 dualling scheme has been granted by the transport secretary, marking a pivotal moment for the infrastructure project initially awarded to Costain nearly three years ago. The scheme, which involves the development of a new dual carriageway to bypass the existing single-lane A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham, will significantly enhance transportation links in the region.
Costain had originally secured the contract in the summer of 2021, with plans to commence work in 2022. However, a final decision from the government, required to initiate construction, was delayed until now. Transport secretary Mark Harper acted in accordance with recommendations from the Planning Inspectorate, finally granting the development consent order, allowing works to proceed.
The project involves the construction of a dual carriageway, which will replace a large section of the current single-lane road, transforming it into a local route. Additionally, the project includes the installation of four compact grade-separated junctions at Highlaws, Fenrother, West Moor, and Charlton Mires. These junctions are designed to facilitate safer access to the A1, ensuring local roads maintain critical connectivity.
Infrastructure enhancements feature new bridges, including those over the River Coquet and at Heckley Fence, aimed at improving the robustness of the route. Costain’s ongoing work in the region, notably on the sections from Birtley to Coal House and Scotswood to North Brunton, underscores their commitment to modernising the A1 corridor.
Despite some concerns raised by local stakeholders, such as noise pollution impacting a nearby farm, the planning inspector found these issues to be manageable with appropriate mitigations. The proposed scheme is expected to bolster traffic resilience, reduce travel times, and enhance safety—objectives highlighted by National Highways.
In an interesting development, the funding for the dualling scheme was repurposed from the now-defunct northern section of the HS2 rail project, as announced by the government last October. Although an exact start date for the on-site work remains undisclosed, the approval signifies a crucial step forward for regional transport infrastructure.
The approval of the A1 dualling project is a vital advancement for the region’s transport network, promising enhanced connectivity and safety.
