Upgrade will provide ‘missing link’ for A1

02 April 2008

Twenty-four miles of the A1 dual carriageway will be upgraded to three-lane motorway, after gaining government approval this week.

The Dishforth to Barton scheme aims to provide the ‘missing link’ of motorway between the M25 and Tyneside. The scheme will be delivered in two phases. Construction of the southern section from Dishforth to Leeming will start in the autumn, with construction on the northern section expected to follow in 2011.

Transport secretary, Ruth Kelly, said: ‘The A1 is a vital route for the North East. The improvement I’m announcing today will, for the first time, provide drivers with a seamless motorway link from Newcastle to London.

‘This scheme will relieve congestion, improve safety and accessibility, and make journey times more predictable and reliable – providing a boost for the region’s economy as well as benefiting local residents.’ The Highways Agency is currently working on new proposals for improved local access on the northern section of the scheme for local access roads between Leeming and Catterick and Scotch Corner and Barton.

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