A1 Gateshead Western Bypass widening scheme getting under way

Campaigners have called for the road to be widened for a number of years

Work to widen a 6.4km (four miles) stretch of one of the North East's busiest roads is getting under way.

The scheme, costing up to £77m, on the A1 Western Bypass at Gateshead, will see the creation of a third lane in both directions.

It is aimed at reducing congestion between the Coal House roundabout and the Metrocentre.

A road will also be built to link Lobley Hill and Gateshead Quays, with work to be completed by spring 2016.

Overnight lane closures are planned and a 40mph speed limit will be in place during the works.

The first closures will be from 20:00 BST on Tuesday to 06:00 BST on Saturday between Swalwell and the Coal House roundabout in both directions.