A194(M)

For detailed information about this topic, see Roads.org.uk Motorway Database and Pathetic Motorways

Route

The A194(M) looking north

The A194(M) links junction 65 of the A1(M) to the A184 and A194 which both run east to join the A19 road to the Tyne Tunnel.

The road opened as the A194(M). However, some time after the Tyne Tunnel was built the decision was taken to route the A1 away from the middle of Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne and on this more easterly route, so the A194(M) became part of the A1(M), and the A1 turned off onto what is now the A184, and the A19 through the Tyne Tunnel to what is now the A19/A1 junction at Wide Open near Cramlington.

However in the late 1980s the decision was taken to extend the Gateshead Western Bypass to bypass Newcastle upon Tyne as well; this then became the third major route of the A1 through Tyneside. As a consequence the A194(M) number was returned to the motorway. The road is therefore in the unusual position of being renumbered, then renumbered again to the original number.

Special Features

• Look out for the butterfly sign which marks the split of the A1(M) and A194(M).
• Despite the A1(M) receiving junction numbers in the 1990s, the A194(M)'s two junctions remained unnumbered until 2013.

Opening Dates

For detailed information about this section, see Roads.org.uk Motorway Database: A194(M) Timeline

Gateshead Post of 12 December 1969 reported that there had been a partial opening on 17 November 1969 to give relief to Springwell and that it would not be subject to motorway restrictions until the Birtley Bypass motorway was complete. This would appear to be on 1 June 1970, the date of opening of the 3.5 mile motorway per The Gazette. Contractor was the County Council's Direct Labour Organisation. Forecast cost was £3.3 million.

Links

Roads.org.uk

• Motorway Database: A194(M)

Roads UK

• Highways and Byways Route Guide

Pathetic Motorways

• A194(M)