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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
Public consultation
Public consultation
Public Consultation
Introduction
The A69 Trunk Road provides a main trans-pennine route linking the A1 at Newcastle, with the M6 at Carlisle. Haydon Bridge is situated approximately midway between Newcastle and Carlisle, 5 miles west of Hexham on the A69.
The Highways Agency is promoting a single carriageway bypass of Haydon Bridge on the south side of the town as shown on the map opposite. The scheme entered the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements in December 2002.
Consultation with the public will take place during March 2003 to seek your views on the scheme.
Existing Situation
The existing A69 Trunk Road is generally single carriageway between Carlisle and Hexham, and dual carriageway between Hexham and Newcastle. Haydon Bridge is situated on the single carriageway section of the A69 and currently carries on average 12,000 vehicles per day, 16% of which are Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Locally, there have been 13 personal injury accidents on the A69 in the last five years.Haydon Bridge experiences significant environmental impact from through traffic, resulting in community severance, noise, air pollution and safety concerns which reduce the quality of life for local residents.
Scheme Proposals
The proposed bypass of Haydon Bridge would re-route the A69 Trunk Road around the southern edge of the town, as indicated on the map. The proposed standard for the bypass is single carriageway with an overall carriageway width of 9.30 metres including, in each direction, 1.0 metre wide hardstrips.
The proposed route would extend between Crossley Burn in the east and West Rattenraw (approximately 500 metres west of the existing railway bridge).
Access to the bypass from the local road network is to be limited to new surface-level priority junctions at each end of the scheme. These junctions would provide access to each side of Haydon Bridge and a connection to the A686 Alston Road. Underpasses would be provided at Esp Hill and East Land Ends to take the side roads under the bypass.
A major feature of the scheme proposal is a new multi-span viaduct structure crossing the South Tyne River and adjacent flood plain, and the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line, on the west side of Haydon Bridge. A new structure is also proposed where the bypass crosses Langley Burn at Gees Wood. These will be designed to minimise environmental impact.
The estimated scheme cost is £18 million and the scheme provides a satisfactory economic return on investment.
Cross Sections
Typical Section in cutting
Typical Section on embankment
Proposals - Map
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Environmental Effects
The Agency attaches great importance to environmental issues. The road will be designed as sensitively as possible. For example, earth mounding or fencing may be used in conjunction with screen planting. Planting of native trees and shrubs is also used to help integrate the road into the surrounding landscape reflecting and extending the existing pattern of hedges and woodlands.
Particular attention has been given to minimise impact on Gees Wood.
| Aspect | Effect of the Proposals | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Local Air Quality | Positive | The bypass will result in improved air quality in Haydon Bridge. |
| Cultural Heritage | Neutral | There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments or known archaeological features affected by the bypass. Further archaeological survey work will be carried out. |
| Disruption due to construction | Negative | There will be no road closures during.construction and effects on properties and sensitive sites will be minimised. |
| Ecology and Nature Conservation | Negative | The route of the bypass passes through mainly agricultural grassland of low conservation value. There are protected species, which inhabit Gees Wood and the South Tyne River. |
| Landscape Effects | Negative | The bypass will change the local landscape. Existing vegetation will be retained where possible and sensitive landscape planting will screen the road from Haydon Bridge. |
| Land Use | Negative | Agricultural land is the only land use to be directly affected by the bypass. |
| Noise | Positive | Noise levels generated by traffic will significantly decrease in Haydon Bridge as a result of the bypass. |
| Community | Positive | The bypass will result in an improved environment for residents, pedestrians and cyclists in Haydon Bridge. |
| Water Quality | Negative | The bypass will require a new bridge crossing over the South Tyne River. |
| Policies and Plans | Neutral | The proposed bypass is generally in accordance with relevant policies and plans. |
Rejected Routes
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Reasons for Rejection
Blue Route
- Close proximity to properties on west side of Haydon Bridge.
- Does not comply with design standards at the approach to the existing railway bridge.
- Affects development potential of land on west side of Haydon Bridge.
- Reduced overtaking opportunities.
Brown Route
- Close proximity to properties on west side of Haydon Bridge.
- Adverse environmental impact from elevated roundabout on west side of Haydon Bridge.
- Poor Value for Money (Economic return / performance).
- Affects development potential of land on west side of Haydon Bridge.
- Reduced overtaking opportunities.
Public Exhibition
Please come to the free exhibition. Large scale plans showing more detailed information will be available. Staff from the Highways Agency and their agents, Bullen Consultants Limited, will be available at the exhibition to answer your questions.
The exhibition will be held at:
The Community Centre, Haydon Bridge at the following times:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 12th March 2003 | 6pm - 9pm |
| Thursday | 13th March 2003 | 10am - 8pm |
The Land Compensation Act 1973 sets out the arrangements for compensating those affected by the road proposals; a number of leaflets explaining these arrangements will be available at the Exhibition.
Further Information
If you have any questions please ask at the exhibition or write to:-
Highways Agency
Room 611
Sunley Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4BE
For the attention of John Atkinson or telephone 0300 123 5000
Your Views
This is an opportunity for you to take part in the early planning of this new road. If you would like to let us know what you think about the proposals, please download the attached questionnaire in pdf format. It can be posted to the address shown below or you can hand it in at the exhibition. The closing date for replies is Wednesday 4th June 2003.
Post to:-
Highways Agency
Room 611
Sunley Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4BE
What Happens Next?
Your views, together with those of the local authorities and other interested bodies will be carefully considered by the Secretary of State for Transport, a decision will then be announced on the proposals to be taken forward. The route will then be protected for planning purposes and developed in greater detail.
By commenting now, you will not prejudice your right to comment for or against any future detailed proposals subsequently published under the Highways Act.
We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition.
