Hope for green light on roundabout upgrades

THERE was an almost constant back and forth in 2025 over the future of plans to upgrade a notorious Northumberland roundabout.

- JAMES ROBINSON

But pessimism early last year gave way to optimism, with hope that the Government may now give the green light to the long-awaited scheme to upgrade Moor Farm roundabout.

The deputy leader of Northumberland County Council has warned that 2026 is a "make or break" year for the project. It comes after suggestions that the project would be included in the next phase of the Government's Road Investment Strategy.

Coun Richard Wearmouth said: "The story regarding Moor Farm upgrade works is complicated, but one thing is clear - 2026 will be a make or break year for this urgently needed investment.

"Northumberland County Council understands that a government decision will be made some time in spring 2026 on whether the project will get funding. However, even if that happens it would only see the project put into a national programme starting in 2031 called RIS4. That's far too late for us.

"What are we doing? The last Conservative Government was backing upgrades to Moor Farm and Seaton Burn roundabouts. We are engaged with the Government urging them to do the same and confirm the projects inclusion in RIS4 ASAP.