If you have travelled on the A1 in recent months, you will have noticed the road is being dug up and rebuilt in parts of the North East.

And tonight this very work will feature in its very own BBC documentary as TV crews go behind the scenes.

The show We are England has filmed a never-before-seen look at the mammoth task facing highways crew, contractors - and drivers.

Read more: Hartlepool house fire LIVE: Road closed - updates here

The road is being overhauled between junction 74 and junction 79, in both directions, in a bid to reduce congestion while speeding up links between the region.

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: Picture: NORTHERN ECHO)

National Highways has claimed it will provide "economic benefits" for business users and "improved" links between the Team Valley, Metrocentre and Newcastle Airport.

It comes as drivers have been forced to endure delays at peak times along sections of the A1 where there are two lanes. This also includes the Birtley section.

Read more: Woman wants to sue Pelton pub after allegedly falling into cellar

But airing at 7.30pm on BBC One in the North East and Cumbria, the documentary will follow the key players in keeping the road safe for both workers and drivers.

They filmed work taking place on the stretch between Scotswood to North Brunton.

'A unique chance to see what goes on behind the scenes'

Sal Hopkinson, National Highways Project Manager, said: “The programme will give viewers a valuable insight into the work involved in delivering an improvement of this magnitude, what goes on at night when most people are asleep, and the challenges we face in keeping our customers on the move.  

“We were delighted to take part and hope people get an appreciation of the challenges of a typical night shift.” 

Richard Webster, Costain Senior Project Manager, added: "The dedication of our people to the work they do to help improve people's lives could not be better demonstrated than by the vital improvements being made on the A1.  

“We hope the programme gives viewers a unique chance to see what goes on behind the scenes of a major infrastructure project, as well as the tireless work of our all-important night-shift workers.”  

We Are England will be on the BBC iplayer shortly after the programme airs. 

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.