DRIVERS have been warned ahead of major changes to the A1 from next week as work on a major upgrade moves into the next phase.

Those using the busy stretch of road have been warned that the layout between Birtley and the Coal House roundabout will change.

National Highways has said that northbound traffic between J65 and J67 will be moved over towards the central reservation where land has been taken to make a new lane.

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It said that the current lane one will then close to allow for vegetation clearance and sheet piling to take place, which is being used to reinforce the embankment.

The Northern Echo:

The A1 near Birtley Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Starting on Monday, January 24, the layout will be changed during three overnight closures from 8pm to 6am until Wednesday, January 26.

The move is part of a multi-million pound upgrade which will "improve safety and journey times" while "boosting" the region's economy.

National Highways are widening the road from three to four lanes between J65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway and going from two to three lanes on the north side.

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Nicola Wilkes, National Highways Project Manager, said: “Switching the traffic to a new layout is an important step in the progress of the Birtley to Coal House project.

"It allows us to do the preparatory work which will pave the way for us to build an extra lane on the northbound carriageway.  

“We advise road users to take additional care as they drive through the works area while they get used to the new layout and remember to keep to the speed limit for their safety as well as that of our workforce.” 

It comes as The Northern Echo last week revealed that a series of average speed cameras along the stretch of road had been turned on and set to 50mph.

The speed cameras are set to remain in place, enforcing the speed limit, until the upgrade work comes to an end in 2024/25.

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