Additional investment for coastal route

Cabinet Members at Northumberland County Council have approved additional funding for the A193 seafront travel corridor for walking, wheeling and cycling.  

Members welcomed the recommendation for an additional £3.8m investment into the scheme to enhance the link between Kingsway in Blyth and Old Hartley and improve the A190 from its junction with the A193 towards Seaton Delaval Hall, improving safety, accessibility and connection to the wider area. 

The revised £13.5m scheme will comprise of £11.7m from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority grant funding from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) with an extra £1.7m from the County Council. 

The improvements include the provision of segregated spaces, crossing points, enhancements to pavement quality, drainage and street lighting, bus stop facilities, including step-free access along with signage and markings. 

The route connects with existing and planned infrastructure in Blyth and North Tyneside and will see an extension from Fountain Head Roundabout towards Seaton Delaval Hall, school bus and parent drop-off points combined with a link to Seaton Sluice Middle School, an upgraded public toilet with new shower facilities and 11 ‘pocket place’ locations providing resting spaces along the corridor where people can enjoy the natural environment and coastal views.  

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for active travel at Northumberland County Council said: “I’m pleased to see this funding extension being approved which will greatly improve walking, wheeling and cycling provision to the area.  

“While the environmental factors play a big role, it is important that we provide a safe and efficient way for people to get around. Not everyone has access to a car or motor vehicle, and by creating these corridors, we are opening scores of benefits such as better connection to public transport and onward travel, cleaner air and improved areas for our residents and visitors to enjoy. 

"The project team will be holding two additional drop-in events during the summer and so anyone wishing to engage with them on any questions regarding the project is very much welcome to come along and find out more." 

Two drop-in sessions are being held with one taking place on Thursday 23 July at Seaton Sluice Community Centre between 3pm and 7.30pm and the other being held on Monday 3 August outside Dave Stephens Centre, Blyth Beach between 11am and 2pm.  

The scheme complements the coastal network improvements made to date in Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside and forms part of the North East CRSTS programme, which supports investment in local transport networks across the region.