Over night closure for A1 between Junctions 65 and 66
Two large cranes will swing into action on the A1 in Gateshead this weekend to remove a pedestrian footbridge over what is normally a busy dual carriageway.
The North Dene Bridge between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 66 (Eighton Lodge) is being taken down as part of National Highways' Birtley to Coal House improvement scheme.
During the closure, northbound through traffic will be diverted off the A1 at junction 65 and along the A194(M) and A184 around Gateshead to rejoin the A1 at junction 69. Southbound through traffic will follow the same route in reverse.
Any traffic wanting to join the A1 at junctions 66, 67 or 68 to head north will be able to do so, while southbound traffic intending to leave at junctions 68, 67 or 66 will still be able to do so by staying on the A1 past the diversion point at junction 69.
The National Highways project will widen the A1 from three to four lanes between junctions 65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway and three lanes between junctions 65 and 67 on the northbound carriageway.
The 47-metre long, 100 tonne footbridge needs to be removed to allow for construction of the new lanes.
Once the widening is completed next summer a new, longer, footbridge will be installed.
Helen Burrow, National Highways Project Manager, said:
"To enable us to start widening the carriageway, North Dene Bridge needs to come down. In order to do that safely we need to close the A1 in both directions between junctions 65 and 66.
"We'd like to thank road users for their patience while we close the road, and also pedestrians who will be without a bridge while we carry out this vital scheme."
Pedestrians will be able to use the Longbank Underpass, further west towards junction 66, until a replacement bridge is installed next summer.
The underpass is reopening after investment in extending its length, improving drainage, and adding lighting.
It is hoped the old bridge will be removed in one night, from 8pm on Saturday 24 September to 6am on Sunday morning. A 95-tonne crane will be set up on the northbound carriageway while a larger, 200-tonne crane will operate on the southbound.
The operation is weather dependant and cannot be carried out in high winds. If its removal cannot be completed on Saturday night, the A1 will also be closed from 8pm on Sunday 25 September to 6am on Monday morning (26 September).
To sign up for free email updates about the A1 Birtley to Coal House scheme please visit the A1 Birtley to Coal House - National Highways
Two large cranes will swing into action on the A1 in Gateshead this weekend to remove a pedestrian footbridge over what is normally a busy dual carriageway.
The North Dene Bridge between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 66 (Eighton Lodge) is being taken down as part of National Highways' Birtley to Coal House improvement scheme.
During the closure, northbound through traffic will be diverted off the A1 at junction 65 and along the A194(M) and A184 around Gateshead to rejoin the A1 at junction 69. Southbound through traffic will follow the same route in reverse.
Any traffic wanting to join the A1 at junctions 66, 67 or 68 to head north will be able to do so, while southbound traffic intending to leave at junctions 68, 67 or 66 will still be able to do so by staying on the A1 past the diversion point at junction 69.
The National Highways project will widen the A1 from three to four lanes between junctions 65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway and three lanes between junctions 65 and 67 on the northbound carriageway.
The 47-metre long, 100 tonne footbridge needs to be removed to allow for construction of the new lanes.
Once the widening is completed next summer a new, longer, footbridge will be installed.
Helen Burrow, National Highways Project Manager, said:
"To enable us to start widening the carriageway, North Dene Bridge needs to come down. In order to do that safely we need to close the A1 in both directions between junctions 65 and 66.
"We'd like to thank road users for their patience while we close the road, and also pedestrians who will be without a bridge while we carry out this vital scheme."
Pedestrians will be able to use the Longbank Underpass, further west towards junction 66, until a replacement bridge is installed next summer.
The underpass is reopening after investment in extending its length, improving drainage, and adding lighting.
It is hoped the old bridge will be removed in one night, from 8pm on Saturday 24 September to 6am on Sunday morning. A 95-tonne crane will be set up on the northbound carriageway while a larger, 200-tonne crane will operate on the southbound.
The operation is weather dependant and cannot be carried out in high winds. If its removal cannot be completed on Saturday night, the A1 will also be closed from 8pm on Sunday 25 September to 6am on Monday morning (26 September).
To sign up for free email updates about the A1 Birtley to Coal House scheme please visit the A1 Birtley to Coal House - National Highways
