Delay warnings as work on A1 'void' continues

The void was found near the junction 65 exit slip near Birtley

Drivers are being warned significant delays will continue on a major road after a "void" was found in a verge.

A section of the A1 in Gateshead was closed on Wednesday and Thursday night after engineers found issues with mine workings near junction 65.

National Highways said there would be daytime lane closures and full shutdowns at night between junction 66, Eighton Lodge, and junction 65 at Birtley until it was safe to reopen.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and allow for extra journey times.

National Highways said a section of the A1 would shut overnight

The void, which is 4m (13ft) deep and 1.5m (5ft) wide, was found near the junction 65 exit slip near Birtley.

The daytime lane closures have reduced the A1 to a single lane in the area.

National Highways said this has caused "significant delays".

The junction 65 southbound exit slip will stay closed, with no access to the A1231 from the A1 southbound.

Non-motorway traffic will be diverted at junction 66 near the Angel of the North.

National Highways said its engineers were working overnight and during the day to ensure the repair was carried out efficiently.

"There are periods of intense activity during the night followed by enforced waiting when no further work can take place, to allow the grout to set during the day," a spokeswoman said.

"These closures are essential to ensure safety while we continue to repair and investigate the area.

"We will reopen the road fully as soon as it’s safe to do so."