A1 bridge repairs 'won't be finished' until spring

Welding issues on the structure are being corrected and are the cause of delays, according to National Highways

Work to widen a section of the A1 will not be finished until next spring, transport bosses have said.

The Allerdene Bridge in Gateshead was replaced by a new structure in September 2023, however welding defects found in January led to lane closures and restrictions for vehicles with abnormal loads.

It was part of a series of improvements along the A1 between junctions 65 and 67 (Birtley to Coal House), which were meant to be completed earlier this year.

National Highways said it aimed to fully reopen the road by spring 2026.

"The ongoing works at Allerdene Bridge are critical to ensuring the long-term integrity of the structure," a spokesperson said.

"We recognise the importance of fully reopening the route and we are committed to minimising disruption wherever possible."

They spokesperson said the delays were due to the defect issues discovered earlier this year.

'Complex work'

In January, Steelwork contractor Severfield identified welding issues on the 3,400-tonne road bridge, which stretches across a section of the East Coast Main Line.

National Highways said it was first made aware of a potential problem in August but did not give an update at the time on whether the defects would cause a delay or a date of when the bridge could fully open.

It said its target of spring 2026 was subject to "inclement weather" and any "unforeseen engineering challenges".

A one-mile (1.6km) lane closure is still in place across the bridge between junctions 65 and 67 while the welding problem is fixed, with lane closures ongoing during weekends.

National Highways said towers flanking the railway were fully built, while construction of the deck - forming the working platform beneath the bridge - was progressing.

"This phase necessitates access to the East Coast Main Line, available only during restricted overnight windows on Saturday nights when train services are suspended and power isolated," a spokesperson added.

"Given the complexity of the structure and limited access windows, the construction of the deck will require time."

They said it was hoped that traffic management measures could be lifted when the work was completed, ahead of scaffold removal.

Updates are available on National Highways' website.