North East mayor Kim McGuinness is expected to approve an £18.6 million investment package for walking and cycling routes next Tuesday, which includes additional funding for a coastal cycle route in Northumberland whose cost has risen sharply.
Cost Increase for Blyth to Whitley Bay Cycle Corridor
The proposed A193 seafront cycling corridor, connecting Blyth to Whitley Bay, has seen its price tag jump from £9.7 million to £13.5 million. The increase is attributed to inflation in the construction industry and extra features added during design. The route will provide segregated space for walking, cycling, and wheeling between Blyth and Old Hartley, along with improved crossing points and bus stops.
Additions to the project include an extension from Foundation Head Roundabout towards Seaton Delaval Hall, an active travel link to Seaton Sluice Middle School, and upgrades to public toilets including shower facilities.
Funding Reallocation and Contributions
Council leaders at a North East mayoral authority cabinet meeting in Chester-le-Street will be asked to agree a reallocation of £5.5 million to cover the increased costs, bringing the authority's total contribution to £11.7 million. Northumberland County Council is also due to contribute £1.7 million.
A report ahead of the meeting states: “This scheme will improve the coastal cycling route between Blyth and St Mary’s, making it safer for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Improvements include wider segregated space for different users, better surfaces and safe enhanced crossing points. The route forms part of a longer coastal path linking communities across the North East from Northumberland, through North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.”
Other Active Travel Investments
The mayoral authority also plans to award £4.5 million to active travel upgrades in Sunderland, connecting St Peter’s Metro Station, the city centre, and the Stadium of Light. This includes safer crossing points, better links to nearby streets such as North Bridge Street, and improved walking and cycling routes along Dame Dorothy Street.
Approval is also due for a £103,000 scheme to reopen a closed section of the Bowes Railway Path, eliminating a 1.25-mile diversion for walkers between Kibblesworth and Birtley. A further £2.25 million will be allocated to safety measures outside 16 schools across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside.
Overall Impact
The mayoral authority report adds: “In total this package will deliver 4.92 miles of new and improved walking and cycling routes, 21 new road crossings and 19 upgraded existing road crossings. It also includes targeted improvements around schools, helping children and families travel more safely and supporting wider priorities such as reducing child poverty and improving safety for women and girls.”
