A1 cash re-announcement 'changes nothing'

05/10/2023 | CHRIS AMES

A Government claim to have provided funding for a current Road Investment Strategy (RIS) scheme makes no difference to the delayed scheme, which is still awaiting a ministerial decision on its planning application, National Highways has said.

The scheme to dual a section of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham was among a raft of spending annoucements for transport schemes across the country said to result from savings from the decision to scrap Phase 2 of HS2.

In fact, the A1 scheme is described in the current RIS programme as a ‘committed’ scheme. As part of the process of seeking a development consent order (DCO), National Highways submitted a document to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) asserting that the scheme was funded.

However, as Highways has reported, the scheme has been held up by repeated delays from ministers. So far there remains an unpublished recommendation from PINS.

In its annual assessment of National Highways 2022-23, the Office of Rail and Road noted that the scheme should have started work during that year but was delayed by ministers’ postponement of the DCO decision.

Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson welcomed the announcement on funding for the scheme and appeared to suggest that it meant that it had removed an obstacle to its progression.

Cllr Sanderson said: ‘We have long campaigned for the A1 dualling and were very disappointed when the decision was pushed back last month.

‘We have continued to push on the Minister's door to get the best possible deal for the county and the region and today’s announcement gives us renewed hope this vital scheme will come forward shortly.’

However, a National Highways spokesperson told Highways that its position is the same as last month when the latest delay to the DCO process was announced and that it has the new deadline for a decision – June of next year – 'in the diary'.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Principal Engineer – Structures Capital Delivery

£43,693 - £47,754
To act as one of the Agent's technical experts for highway structures schemes and related issues South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer Programme Management

£36,124 - £39,513
To support the Principal Engineer ensuring effective co-ordination, programming and contract administration. South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Highways Capital Lead

£47,754 - £50,788
To be responsible for management of the Regional Highway Capital Delivery Teams South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer – Structures Delivery

£36,124 - £39,513
To support the Principal Engineer Structures (Capital Works) and deputise if necessary South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer – Structures Condition

£36,124 - £39,513 plus circa £2500 - £4000 OT (variable)
To take the lead role on the Structures Principal and General Inspection programmes South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Asset Development Manager

£44,111 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to work for an organisation that values you as an individual? West Yorkshire
Recruiter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Engineer (Consultancy)

£43,693 - £50,788 
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Carbon and Net Zero Manager

£47,754 - £50,788
To lead and manage the carbon strategy for the Agent by developing a programme South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Highways Engagement Officer - WMF1977e

£33,366 - £34,314
The role will provide specialist support within the Highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Trunk Road Services – Senior Supervisor

Grade 9
South Wales Trunk Road Agent
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Horticultural Operative

£25390.0000 - £26203.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit a Horticultural Operative.To apply please click here
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highway Asset Maintenance Assistant Engineer (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Engineer, Highways Asset Maintenance CDC

Grade 9, £38,653 - £42,728 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Street Cleansing Team Leader

£31,067.00 - £33,366.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Team Leader Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Civil Enforcement Officers

£25,183- £26,409 plus weekend allowance
We’re looking for Civil Enforcement officers to join our parking services team. North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Career Grade Transport Planner (Carer Grade 6-8)

Grade 06 (£29,093 - £32,654) TO Grade 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Transport Planner

GRADE 10 (£47,754 - £50,787)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West. Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Senior Technician - Highways Inspections

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
This is an exciting time to join one of the country’s leading public sector in-house Highways Services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Technician - Asset Management

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
The position provides an exciting opportunity to develop how all highway assets are managed in the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW