Background

In 2023 the local authority secured over £14.7m through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) - a multi-billion pound scheme for eligible local authorities to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life, including regenerating town centres, high streets and upgrading local transport.

The funding award is going towards new walking and cycling routes for Tynedale and Bedlington - to make it easier, safer and greener for people to get around the county.

Objectives

• To reduce the number of Northumberland residents living in the top 30% most deprived areas nationally.
• To provide the right infrastructure to enable the delivery of development sites. 
• To facilitate a reduction in the number of trips made by private cars within Hexham and Bedlington.
• To reduce road traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists by 10% along the routes.

Designs

Hexham to Corbridge designs boards - Spring 2023

• Hexham to Corbridge Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 1
• Hexham to Corbridge Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 2

Bedlington designs boards - Spring 2023

• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 1 (Western extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 2 (Western extents)

• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 1 (Eastern extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 2 (Eastern extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 3 (Eastern extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 4 (Eastern extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 5 (Eastern extents)
• Bedlington Cycling and Walking Corridor presentation boards 6 (Eastern extents)

Cost and Funding

The County Council secured over £14.7m through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF). Detailed costs for each scheme are currently being worked on and will be shared once complete.  To see the schemes delivered the County Council is providing match funding of £2m.

Timelines

Hexham to Corbridge

• July 2022 -  Bid submitted for funding towards new walking and cycling route
• January 2023 – LUF Funding approved
• April 2023 – Public consultation
• Spring / Summer 2023 – Detailed designs commenced
• January 2024 – Design schemes finalised
• Autumn / Winter 2025 – Focused community engagement
• January 2026 – Final phase of construction
• March 2026 – Project complete

Bedlington:

• July 2022 - Bid submitted for funding towards new walking and cycling route
• January 2023 – LUF Funding approved
• April 2023 – Public consultation
• Spring / Summer 2023 – Detailed designs commenced
• February 2024 – Design schemes finalised
• Autumn / Winter 2025 – Focused community engagement
• January 2026 – Final phase of construction
• March 2026 – Project complete

*All future dates are projected and subject to change dependent on external factors.

News Releases

Council welcomes share of £17.9m in active travel funding

Council bidding for walking and cycling improvements

Council welcomes major walking and cycling funding

 

 

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