Wednesday 16 March 2016

Chancellor announces A69 upgrade in Budget


The Chancellor George Osborne has given the go ahead for an upgrade of the A69, alongside delivering extra funding to speed up the timetable.

Mr Osborne used his budget to allocate funds for a number of high profile transport projects, including the A69 and A66.

Despite our long running campaign, no funding had previously been granted to allow for an upgrade to the A66 or the A69.


Improving the A69 and A66 were among recommendations made by the National Infrastructure Commission, led by Labour peer Lord Adonis, who was asked to suggest ways that transport bottlenecks can be eased to boost the economy.

The A66 runs from Teesside to Cumbria and the A69 from Newcastle to Carlisle and both roads have notorious traffic blackspots. Improving east-west routes across the North is seen as key to creating jobs and growth.

The news today from the Chancellor is fantastic victory for Tynedale. Myself and Haltwhistle Councillor Ian Hutchinson have been working hard for a very long time to secure this upgrade and it is incredible news that we are now on the road to getting the upgrade.

The A69 is the key route that connects east and west across the rural north and it is fantastic to see the Chancellor delivering invest in our infrastructure. The A69 has seen far too many accidents, and has held back the growth of the economy in west Northumberland for too long. Thanks to the Chancellors announcement we now have improved safety, as well as boosting tourism and industry.

Haltwhistle Councillor Ian Hutchinson said "For so many years people have been telling me that we will never see the A69 upgraded. I am so pleased we have kept on fighting and we are finally going to get the invest out infrastructure deserves."