Northumberland Invests in Active Travel Schemes, Worth over £14.9m

Strategic Insights -

A significant investment of over £14.9m is being made in two active travel schemes for pedestrians and cyclists in Northumberland, with the majority of the funding provided by the North East Combined Authority and the remaining amount by the county council. The A193 Active Travel Scheme will connect existing cycleways in North Tyneside, while the Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme aims to improve walking and cycling routes in the town. Both schemes are part of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, which includes £3.66m revenue funding for design and development, with £147m capital available from 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North East Combined Authority is providing most of the funding for the two active travel schemes, with £12.626m of the total £14.9m.
  • The county council is providing a relatively modest match of £2.228m for the schemes.
  • The A193 Active Travel Scheme will cost £9.7m and connect with existing cycleways in North Tyneside, including the wider North Tyneside network.
  • The Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme will cost £5.2m and links up with the new College, town centre regeneration, and employment opportunities in the area.
  • The funding from the North East Combined Authority can only be used for active travel purposes.
  • The City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund includes £3.66m revenue funding for design and development, with £147m capital available from 2024.
  • The council's cabinet unanimously agreed to accept the grant and provide the matched funding.

Statistics:

  • Total funding for the two active travel schemes: £14.9m
  • Amount provided by the North East Combined Authority: £12.626m
  • Amount provided by the county council: £2.228m
  • Cost of A193 Active Travel Scheme: £9.7m
  • Cost of Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme: £5.2m
  • Revenue funding from CRSTS for design and development: £3.66m
  • Capital funding available from CRSTS from 2024: £147m

Sources:

  • Northumberland County Council's meeting minutes
  • North East Combined Authority's funding allocation documents