Northumberland County Council has approved the planning approvals needed to progress the long-anticipated Blyth relief road.

At a recent Cabinet meeting, members also authorised the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to acquire land if required.

The project includes constructing a new dual carriageway, widening an existing single carriageway, upgrading the A1061, and building a new link road to connect Chase Farm Drive and Ogle Drive. It aims to ease congestion into and out of Blyth while improving road safety and public transport.

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Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for active travel, said: "We have been pushing for this project for a long time and it’s great to see these plans being taken forward.

"We know that the traffic in and around Blyth can be a real problem at times and we want to do all we can to improve this for our residents and visitors.

"This is a hugely important project and we’re hopeful the Government will be providing the remainder of the funding needed to bring this into fruition."

The plans also propose new bus stops, segregated cycleways and footpaths along the A1061.

Valued at £60 million, the scheme will support Blyth's ongoing regeneration and create opportunities to grow the local and wider economy.

An Outline Business Case seeking Government funding is currently with the Department for Transport, with a funding announcement expected in summer 2026.