Highways Agency

A1 Adderstone to Belford dualling

Public Consultation

Introduction

The Highways Agency is proposing to upgrade the 4km section of A1 between Adderstone and Belford.

The A1 through Northumberland is a key route on the eastern side of the UK, carrying local business, agriculture, commuter and long distance traffic.

Considerations for improvements to the Adderstone to Belford section of the A1 date back to 1977. However, proposals put forward at that time were not proceeded with due to the high costs of diverting Statutory Undertakers' apparatus (eg gas and telecommunications equipment).

The route has been further studied in the course of a mini review of road schemes and also as part of the A1 North of Newcastle Multi Modal Study, as a result of which recommendations have been made for the improvement of the A1 between Adderstone and Belford.

The current scheme focuses on the road safety of the section between the junctions of the B1341 and B1342 and the A1.

A number of new alignment options have been considered on the basis of safety, environmental impact, engineering and value for money and from these the proposed alignments have been selected.

This leaflet provides information about the proposed alignment.

The purpose of the public consultation

The consultation process aims to seek the views of local people and those who may be affected by the proposals.

Alternative routes have been investigated and three feasible options have been identified. Please give us your views on the proposals by completing and returning the enclosed questionnaire. Responses will be considered as part of the further development of the scheme and will assist Ministers in the approval of a preferred solution.

A public exhibition will be held in the Erskin Church Hall in Nursery Lane, Belford on the 9th,10th and 11th December 2004. Details about the proposals will be on display and representatives of the Highways Agency and Mouchel Parkman, the scheme design consultants, will be on hand to further explain the scheme and answer your questions.

Why the improvement is required

The A1 in this locality forms an important route between England and Scotland for long distance traffic. However, it also provides for local commuter traffic as well as local business and agricultural traffic. During the 3 year period from 1996 to 1998 there were 21 personal injury accidents and during the 5 year period from 1999 to 2003 there were a further 22 personal injury accidents. This is one and a half times higher than the national average for this type of road.

Accidents will be reduced as a result of providing an overtaking capability as well as improvements to the substandard alignment between Moussen and Adderstone Mains.

Environmental issues

The environment local to Adderstone and Belford is of a good quality and worthy of protection in respect of it's scenic quality, nature conservation value and rich cultural heritage. Sites of known ecological and archaeological interest lie close to the present A1 corridor.

The Highways Agency is conscious of its obligations in respect of the environment. Any option chosen will be the subject of detailed investigation and, in consultation with relevant interested bodies, will formulate suitable mitigation measures to minimise potential effects upon the environment.

At Adderstone to Belford such measures may include;

• mounding and screen planting to mitigate potential visual effects and integrate the road into the present landscape,
• opportunities to maintain and enhance ecological habitats and key species,
• further investigation of archaeological sites with recording and protection where necessary,
• road surfacing with the latest 'low noise' materials and, the road would not be lit to minimise light pollution.

Route proposals

The route would be upgraded from single carriageway to dual carriageway by the addition of a new 7.3m carriageway with 1m hard strips. Improvements would be made to the junctions with the B1341 and B1342 to accommodate all turning manoeuvres and large commercial vehicles.

All of the options would utilize as much of the existing carriageway as possible to reduce costs and land take but differ in their approach to dealing with the poor alignment in the vicinity of Mousen Hall.

Three route options have been identified and these are shown on the map.

• The Red Route would follow most closely the existing alignment and would pass between Mousen Hall and Mousen Old Farm Complex.
• The Green Route would provide a section of new dual carriageway to the west of the existing alignment in the vicinity of Mousen Hall and would also pass west of the main part of Mousen Old Farm Complex.
• The Blue Route would similarly provide a new section of dual carriageway in the vicinity of Mousen Hall but in this case it would be situated to the east of the Hall in a cutting.

How you can help

You can help by letting us have your views on these proposals by completing and returning the attached pre-paid questionnaire. The questionnaire can be handed in at the exhibition or sent to;

Highways Agency
Team L3,
9W City House,
New Station Street,
Leeds,
LS1 4UR

Completed questionnaires to be returned by the 3rd March 2005

Please try and visit the exhibition where the scheme details will be on display and representatives of the Highways Agency and Mouchel Parkman design consultants will be available to discuss the proposals and answer your questions.

Exhibition Dates and Times

The Exhibition will be held in the Erskin Church Hall ( Ferguson Hall ) in Nursery Lane Belford on:

• 9th December 2004 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm
• 10th December 2004 10.00 am to 7.30 pm
• 11th December 2004 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

An agricultural specialist will be in attendance on Saturday 11th December. Please try to attend.

What Happens Next?

The Highways Agency will, over the 12 weeks after the Exhibition, analyse feedback and returns from Stakeholders and, through a report, conclude on a preferred route.This will be reported to the Minister who will announce his decision in early Summer of next year.

It is hoped that a Contract will be awarded, at about this time, to enable the Scheme to be designed with an anticipated start of works date of 2009.

For further information on the Highways Agency call our Information Line: 08457 50 40 30