A new technical study commissioned by Northumberland County Council has found that dualling the A1 could deliver an additional £200 million to £225 million in economic benefits over 60 years, beyond those identified before the scheme was scrapped. This strengthens the case for upgrading the road, which has seen eight deaths in 2026.
Renewed push after scheme was scrapped
The previous £500 million plan to dual 13 miles of single carriageway between Morpeth and Ellingham was scrapped in 2024 after the Labour government deemed it not value for money. However, the eight deaths on the A1 in Northumberland in 2026, seven on the stretch where dualling had been promised, have prompted a renewed campaign for the upgrades.
The council says the new evidence makes the argument for dualling "more compelling than ever." The study, based on the appraisal of the successful A9 dualling project in Scotland, claims to show an "unidentified" economic boost of £200 million to £225 million, derived from removing "driver frustration" by increasing capacity on the route.
Safety and traffic concerns
The study also highlights that casualty figures on the A1 are the highest for a decade. Seven deaths on the Morpeth to Ellingham stretch this year represent just one fewer than in the previous nine years combined. Traffic levels rose by over 6% between 2018 and 2025, with more than 21,000 vehicles using the road daily.
Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "This study clearly demonstrates to the Government why the business case for dualling is now more compelling than ever. The benefits to drivers, to the county, the region and the UK speak for themselves, while the appalling safety record and the dangerous and frustrating mix of dual and single carriageway are key reasons why we need the A1 dualled."
Economic impact and next steps
The council calculated driver frustration levels based on annoyance at oncoming traffic, slower-than-desired travel, and the number of HGVs ahead. It said that if a scheme helps drivers travel at a more consistent speed and reduces delays, that improvement can be converted into a monetary value.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: "Local people don't need to be told how dangerous it can be to drive along the A1 in Northumberland. Lives are being lost and although the solution - dualling the road - is obvious to everyone, action still isn't being taken. Now we also know that poor road safety on the A1 is harming our economy. I will continue to push for a resolution – we must dual the A1 without delay."
The study will now be presented to National Highways, which is responsible for the A1, as the campaign backed by the Chronicle, cross-party politicians, business leaders, and community groups continues.
