Construction work is getting underway on major schemes to improve cycle lanes and pedestrian routes in Bedlington and Tynedale.
Northumberland County Council successfully secured £14.7m from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund to upgrade active travel routes in Bedlington and between Corbridge and Hexham. The funding is ringfenced for active travel schemes and can’t be used for other projects.
In Bedlington, the route will extend over 7km from the west of the town to East Sleekburn, where several spurs will connect into schools, businesses and services.
In Tynedale there’ll be a link between Hexham train station and Corbridge, improving both local connections within Hexham and facilitating active travel trips between Hexham and Corbridge. The route will largely follow the A695 between the two town’s rail stations.
Both routes will be a mix of shared pedestrian and cyclist use or segregated and some short paths will connect to the main routes. A number of new crossings will also be installed.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities and Chair of the Council’s Walking and Cycling Board, said: “It’s great that we’re now getting spades in the ground on these fantastic schemes.
“While the two schemes are in very different areas of the county, the objectives and benefits of each route are the same.
“These include moving away from reliance on the private car to more sustainable modes of transport, improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians and cutting harmful emissions.
“What is also key is that these routes will improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians to education, employment and local transport hubs, including local railway stations.
“In Bedlington for example the route will connect the centre of the town to East Sleekburn, where massive investment is underway, with the planned new data centre and the likes of JDR Cables.
“Both these schemes are set to have a really positive impact in their respective areas.”
The schemes will be developed in phases which will open when complete. The entire routes are scheduled to open in early 2027.