Drivers in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, will face a series of overnight road closures on the A1 between Birtley and Coal House as crews carry out essential repairs to Allerdene Bridge. National Highways will close the road between the Birtley and Coal House junctions on various weeknights and weekends in February 2026, typically from 20:00 to 06:00; drivers are advised to check National Highways’ daily closures page for the exact schedule.
The work is needed to fix welding issues on the Allerdene Bridge, which was constructed and installed by structural steel specialist Severfield. The bridge passes near the Angel of the North and carries the A1 over the East Coast Main Line, the key rail route linking London and Edinburgh.
Specialist teams are erecting complex scaffold to reach the underside of the bridge so welds can be repaired and tested. National Highways says the remedial work is required to ensure the bridge meets its intended 120-year design life. The repairs must be carried out during scheduled overnight rail possession windows — when trains are not running and the electrified line is isolated — to allow safe access directly above the tracks.
Dean Sporn, Director of Enhancements at National Highways, said the work is “targeting completion in Spring 2026, noting that this is subject to inclement weather and any unforeseen engineering challenges. Safety remains our highest priority.” National Highways says the existing 50mph speed restrictions in the area are expected to be lifted once the repairs are complete, subject to the programme being finished and final checks carried out.
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