Roads Minister, David Jamieson, has announced the preferred route for the �84m scheme between Morpeth and Felton.

This will follow the existing A1 over its southern and northern sections, with a four-mile central section west of the existing road.

This section of the A1 carries about 17,000 vehicles a day and lorries make up 11% of the traffic.

A public consultation over the route was held in September 2004.

'Legal processes'

More than 700 people visited exhibitions in Morpeth and Felton and over half of these commented on the plans for the upgrade.

The section of the A1 between Morpeth and Felton carries about 17,000 vehicles a day and lorries make up 11% of the traffic.

David Jamieson said: "The dualling of the A1 between Morpeth and Felton will effectively mean that the A1 and A1(M) will be to dual carriageway standard all the way from London to just north of Alnwick.

"The announcement being made today means that the Highways Agency can now take the preferred route forward for more detailed design work and through the various legal processes that are required before work can start.

"The end result should be an upgraded section of road which will help to provide safer and more efficient journeys for all road users."