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Cost of cancelled A1 dualling rises to £68.4m Cost of cancelled Northumberland A1 dualling rises to £68.4m
(about 1 month later)
National Highways spent £15.8m on the preliminary design of the cancelled projectNational Highways spent £15.8m on the preliminary design of the cancelled project
The cost of a project to dual the A1 rose to £68.4m before the Labour government announced its cancellation last year.The cost of a project to dual the A1 rose to £68.4m before the Labour government announced its cancellation last year.
Plans to upgrade the 13-mile (20km) section of road between Morpeth and Ellingham had already been postponed three times by the previous Conservative government.Plans to upgrade the 13-mile (20km) section of road between Morpeth and Ellingham had already been postponed three times by the previous Conservative government.
The figures, from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the BBC, revealed the costs of the project continued to increase despite the scheme not being signed off, up from £67m in 2023.The figures, from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the BBC, revealed the costs of the project continued to increase despite the scheme not being signed off, up from £67m in 2023.
In a statement the Department of Transport (DfT) said: "Given the challenging financial picture inherited, we have had to make difficult decisions about a number of roads as they were unfunded or unaffordable."In a statement the Department of Transport (DfT) said: "Given the challenging financial picture inherited, we have had to make difficult decisions about a number of roads as they were unfunded or unaffordable."
Campaigners have argued congestion on the A1 impacts the region's economyCampaigners have argued congestion on the A1 impacts the region's economy
In Northumberland, 42 miles (66km) of the A1 are still single carriageway and campaigners have called for its widening for decades.In Northumberland, 42 miles (66km) of the A1 are still single carriageway and campaigners have called for its widening for decades.
In May 2024, the then Secretary of State for Transport approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme to dual part of it, raising hopes construction work could begin.In May 2024, the then Secretary of State for Transport approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme to dual part of it, raising hopes construction work could begin.
However, the Labour government shelved it in October, describing it "as having poor value for money and limited economic benefits for the region"., external However, the Labour government shelved it in October, describing it "as having poor value for money and limited economic benefits for the region".
Campaigners say a congested A1 leads to drivers using unsuitable alternative routesCampaigners say a congested A1 leads to drivers using unsuitable alternative routes
The FOI revealed expenditure to date on the project includesThe FOI revealed expenditure to date on the project includes
£4m on the purchase of three properties, associated land and a paddock£4m on the purchase of three properties, associated land and a paddock
£15.8m on the preliminary design£15.8m on the preliminary design
£31.6m construction preparation£31.6m construction preparation
£7.2m on surveys and professional fees£7.2m on surveys and professional fees
David Cameron announced the A1 scheme in 2014David Cameron announced the A1 scheme in 2014
Glen Sanderson, Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, said it was "concerning" public money had been used for a project "that is now not going to be done".Glen Sanderson, Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, said it was "concerning" public money had been used for a project "that is now not going to be done".
"It's extremely disappointing, and we have done what we can in talking to government and getting a timetable back for the scheme."It's extremely disappointing, and we have done what we can in talking to government and getting a timetable back for the scheme.
"Many people have lost their lives on that road and we have come to the point when during the summer months it often comes to a standstill.""Many people have lost their lives on that road and we have come to the point when during the summer months it often comes to a standstill."
Laura and Scott Clarehugh run Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, near Felton, and want the A1 to be dualled to improve access to the site.Laura and Scott Clarehugh run Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, near Felton, and want the A1 to be dualled to improve access to the site.
Scott and Laura Clarehugh, who run Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, have campaigned for the A1 to be dualledScott and Laura Clarehugh, who run Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, have campaigned for the A1 to be dualled
Mrs Clarehugh said: "They were going to take about three acres but nothing had been signed.Mrs Clarehugh said: "They were going to take about three acres but nothing had been signed.
"It just feels so wasteful, for there to be so much money invested, and then to pull the plug on it, just seems such poor planning.""It just feels so wasteful, for there to be so much money invested, and then to pull the plug on it, just seems such poor planning."
A National Highways spokesperson said: "We carefully review expenditure on all proposed projects to ensure that lessons are learned, and processes are improved for any future road improvement schemes."A National Highways spokesperson said: "We carefully review expenditure on all proposed projects to ensure that lessons are learned, and processes are improved for any future road improvement schemes."
A DfT spokesperson added: "We're committed to boosting growth across the country and National Highways will explore solutions to this section of the A1 that offer the best value for money."A DfT spokesperson added: "We're committed to boosting growth across the country and National Highways will explore solutions to this section of the A1 that offer the best value for money."
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