Erosion prevention works planned on Coquet riverbank as part of A1 dualling scheme in Northumberland

The project involves the dualling of an eight mile stretch of single carriageway between Morpeth and Felton and a five mile stretch between Alnwick and Ellingham.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “The planning document we submitted last summer was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination.

"We entered the preliminary examination phase in January, which is a six-month process culminating with a recommendation by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State, who makes the final decision.

“We’re proposing changes to the DCO (Development Consent Order) application we made last summer and, because these changes haven’t yet been consulted on, we’ve issued public notices to formally start the consultation, and to outline when the hearings are due to be held, so the public can contact the Planning Inspectorate about speaking at the hearings.”

The scheme was first announced in December 2014 when the Government committed £290 million to it.

Planned works include construction of a new dual carriageway bypassing the existing A1 between Priests Bridge and Burgham Park.

Four new separated junctions are also planned at Highlaws, Fenrother, West Moor and Charlton Mires providing safe access onto and of the A1.

The week-long series of open floor, compulsory acquisition and issue specific hearings are scheduled to start on Monday, February 22.

Advance notice must be provided to the Planning Inspectorate’s Case Team of a wish to speak at any of the hearings.

For more information, including how and when to register to speak at the hearing and how and when to make written submissions, please contact the Planning Inspectorate or visit here.

The proposed changes to the DCO include works on the north bank of the River Coquet to ensure stability of the permanent bridge required to carry the new carriageway of the A1. Additional erosion protection measures to the southern pier of the new bridge are also anticipated.

Consultation responses must be made by February 25 to FREEPOST WSP A1iN or via email at: [email protected]

The documents are online here.

The scheme is currently scheduled to start in mid-to-late 2022.

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