Local authority to ‘prioritise’ drivers as popular roads get greenlight for improvements
Refurbishments for part of the 2040 plan for the region
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Motorists are set to benefit from major upgrade projects which target improving roads, cycle routes and electric car chargers.
The initiative aims to prioritise road, rail, cycle, and footpath improvements up to 2040 across the Northeast of England.
One of the plans includes upgrades to the popular A1 dualling from Ellingham to Scotland as well as a number of other junction upgrades.
The A1 takes motorists through rural countryside and close to the coastline and is used by a wide variety of people for many different reasons.
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A1 dualling from Ellingham to Scotland will be revamped
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The plan includes 327 potential schemes to be developed with key proposals including expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and investing in road and rail schemes.
Northeast Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "I will make the North East the home of real opportunity and deliver green transport that works for all, including having the greenest transport system in the UK and improving safety for women and girls, and other vulnerable groups.
"We hope to launch a major public consultation this Autumn where people can tell us exactly what they want to see reflected in the plan."
"Through transport, we can really enhance opportunities for local people as well as greatly improve public health and our environment, so it’s incredibly important we get this right."
He added: "We want to deliver an integrated, sustainable and accessible network that works for all and we’re at the start of this incredible journey together."
The North East Combined Authority launched a draft Local Transport Plan which includes several key proposals aimed at transforming the region's transport infrastructure.
These include expanding and improving infrastructure, including investments in the Metro and bus network.
Other upgrades happening are further investments in road and rail schemes, such as reopening the Leamside Line and extending the Metro to Washington.
Refurbishments for part of the 2040 plan for the region GETTYThere will also be a boost to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition to low-carbon transport.
Before the plans can be finalised, a public consultation on the North East's Local Transport Plan is expected to launch this autumn.
Councillor Martin Gannon said: "The first North East Transport Plan was adopted in 2021, marking a collaborative approach to our region’s transport ambitions.
"The new draft Local Transport Plan builds on this substantially, the Mayor has brought forward several major transport priorities and I’m pleased to see such ambitious proposals that I’m confident will help us deliver huge improvements across all modes by 2040."
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PAMcGuinness added: "We've worked together as a region to set our initial priorities for transport - this will map out the direction for North East transport up to 2040 and I look forward to working with local people during the consultation to shape our future."
The plan builds on existing investments in transport projects across public transport, rail, road, and active travel.