Northumberland County Council has confirmed that plans for the Blyth Relief Road are advancing, with an agreement to submit an Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Department for Transport for review and approval.

The submission will follow the approval of the County Council's budget in February, marking a key step in the progression of the multi-million-pound project.

The proposed development includes the construction of a new dual carriageway along the A1061, alongside the widening of the existing single carriageway to dual carriageway. A new single carriageway link is also planned between Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive.

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The aim of the scheme is to alleviate local congestion, reduce journey times for both cars and buses, improve walking and cycling opportunities, and support future growth in Blyth.

The town and surrounding area are already experiencing significant regeneration, including the arrival of the Northumberland Line, a £90m transformation programme called 'Energising Blyth', a major green energy investment, and the development of a new data centre north of the River Blyth.

The new relief road is expected to be completed by 2027, with updated traffic modelling and further details added to the OBC after feedback from the Department for Transport last year. These updates include considerations for Covid-related changes and how the road will connect to other projects in the area, such as the Northumberland Line and new cycling infrastructure.

In addition, Cabinet has approved £720,000 to enable the detailed design, development of the scheme, and preparation of the necessary planning application documentation.