# Northumberland Council Advances A1 Dualling Case

Northumberland County Council expects to publish further business-case evidence for dualling 13 miles of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham, a proposal estimated to cost more than £500 million. The UK Government’s planned Green Book investment-rule reforms could help local leaders make the case for the scheme, but it has not been approved or funded. For contractors, this is a potential future highways opportunity rather than an active solicitation: the next relevant developments are the revised assessment framework and any subsequent project or procurement announcements.

- The proposed scope is a 13-mile road-dualling project between Morpeth and Ellingham; no contract value beyond the estimated project cost, procurement schedule, or solicitation details are provided.
- Highway construction and related suppliers can use the business-case and investment-rule developments to assess the potential future opportunity, while avoiding assumptions that funding or an award is secured.
- The source points to further council business-case evidence and revised assessment rules as the relevant next steps; no submission deadline is stated.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Government
- HM Treasury (HMT)
- Northumberland County Council

### Key Quotes
> A decision on dualling the A1 still lies with the Government, but by winning a change in the rules we are a step closer to success in our fight.
> — Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor

> Communities have been let down for years by outdated rules that haven’t properly looked at what’s needed to unlock their potential.
> — Andy Burnham, Prime Minister

### Sources
- [Northumberland A1 dualling 'step closer' as Government pledges to change investment rules | Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-a1-dualling-step-closer-34830998) - Chronicle Live