00:02Drivers using the A1 through Northumberland could see the ongoing debate over duelling
00:07enter a new phase. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked the Transport Secretary to work with
00:13colleagues at No. 10 North on a different way of delivering the scheme. He said infrastructure
00:18in the North East was not at an acceptable standard and described the A1 as critical.
00:24The comments came in the House of Commons after North Northumberland MP David Smith
00:30raised the issue during questions from MPs in Westminster. Mr Smith said he and other
00:36North East politicians wanted to work with the government to secure what he called a
00:41generational change. The previous A1 duelling plan covered 13 miles between Morpeth and Ellingham,
00:49linking new dual carriageways across Northumberland under future plans.
00:54The scheme was cancelled after the government judged it poor value for money, with the expected
00:59cost having risen substantially. The route still has long single carriageway sections north of Morpeth
01:06towards the Scottish border, where traffic can face delays after incidents.
01:11National Highways says it remains committed to safety and reliable operation. The new comments
01:17do not amount to a decision to restart duelling and no funding or timetable has been announced.
01:23But they reopen the possibility of a different approach for the road.
01:28The senior
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