Major traffic disruption is expected as the second phase of “vital” bridge work gets underway on the A1 later this month.

The northern part of the Coal House Roundabout near Gateshead’s Team Valley will close for two weeks from Sunday, September 18 as part of the major A1 upgrade project between Birley and Coal House.

It will allow engineers to carry out hydrodemolition – using high-pressure water to remove concrete at the end of the bridge piers to enable the bridge to be extended.

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Works have already been carried out at the south side of the roundabout in July but the work will now move to the north side and see it close for two weeks.

National Highways Project Manager Helen Burrow said:  “The first phase of this particular piece of work on the southern part of the junction was carried out successfully and with relatively little disruption to road users in July. Now we are back to give the northern side the same treatment. 

“This work, known as hydro demolition, is vital as it will enable us to extend the bridge to take the new lanes of traffic we are providing as part of this major upgrade of the A1. 

“Once the concrete from the current structure has been removed it will enable us to create an extension which new bridge beams will eventually be lifted on to. These beams will form the basis of the additional lanes. 

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“During the closure we advise people to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversions.” 

Traffic will be diverted northbound to junction 68 where it will be able to turn round and return to junction 67.

Local residents have been advised that the method being used means some disturbance is unavoidable, but National Highways will make every effort to minimise noise and levels will be monitored regularly throughout.

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National Highways says the A1 Birtley to Coal House project will enhance journey times and safety and boost the North East’s economy by widening the road 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 existing Allerdene railway bridge, which carries the A1 over the East Coast Main Line, will be replaced and the bridges at junctions 66 and 67 widened to accommodate the additional lanes.

National Highways will also introduce electronic signage to provide driver information along the road, which will be positioned as not to interrupt views of the Angel of the North 

The upgraded road is set to open to traffic in Spring 2025.

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