Newcastle A1 added to list of nationally-important roads

Date: 24/5/2011

A section of the A1 that begins north of Newcastle and leads to the Scottish Borders has been named as a road of strategic importance to the UK.

Norman Baker, Regional and Local Transport Minister, has announced that the route will join a list of similar highways that are deemed to be vital to the country's economy.

In addition, a network of roads that link the Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead, Merseyside with the town of Bootle were also named on the list.

According to Mr Baker, the government is committed to recognising the importance of routes that join England with Wales', Scotland's and Ireland's major cities.

Speaking of the A1's accolade, he said: "While it does not guarantee funding - any proposed upgrade would need to be subject to the usual decision-making processes - it finally recognises the road's importance for freight and other strategic traffic travelling between Newcastle and Edinburgh."

According to the Northern Echo, businesses in the north-east are calling on ministers to reconsider a recent decision to axe upgrade plans on part of the A1, between Leeming and Barton.

Posted by Mary Treen