The A696 road is a significant arterial route in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, North East England. It stretches approximately 35 miles (56 km) from Newcastle upon Tyne to Otterburn.
Route: The road begins in Newcastle upon Tyne, originating near the city center as Ponteland Road. It then proceeds northwest, passing through urban and suburban areas of the city, including Kingston Park and providing direct access to Newcastle International Airport. After leaving the urban conurbation, the A696 continues through rural Northumberland. Major villages and hamlets along its route include Ponteland, Belsay, Kirkwhelpington, and Rochester. The road terminates at a junction with the A68 road just west of Otterburn.
Function and Importance: The A696 serves as a crucial link between the urban center of Newcastle upon Tyne and the more rural areas of Northumberland. Its importance is amplified by providing direct access to Newcastle International Airport, making it a key route for both passengers and airport-related traffic. Beyond the urban fringe, it serves local communities and provides access to the scenic landscapes of central Northumberland, including areas bordering the Northumberland National Park. It acts as an alternative or supplementary route to the A68 for travel between Newcastle and the Scottish Borders.