No end date for A1 roadworks as bridge is repaired

It remains unclear when work to fix a defective motorway bridge and fully open an upgraded section of the Al will be completed - with drivers warned to expect a “lengthy” wait.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

The newly-built Allerdene Bridge, on a stretch of the Al near Gateshead, has been found to be suffering from welding problems which are in need of complex repairs.

That 3,400-tonne crossing, built as part of National Highways’ major Birtley to Coal House Al widening project, is one of a number of structures where steelwork contractor Severfield has informed authorities about defects in its welding.

While the bridge, which runs over the East Coast Main Line, was opened to traffic in September 2023, the issues have prevented National Highways from lifting lane restrictions on that 50mph stretch of the motorway.

While the long-running roadworks have already been removed on either side of the bridge, which is near the Angel of the North, capacity restrictions remain in force on a mile-long stretch over the structure in both directions.