A1 Birtley to Coal House
Traffic on this busy section of the A1 is congested, especially during peak hours – making journeys unreliable. The number of vehicles using the road will increase with new housing and employment developments planned for the area, so road improvements are needed.
Latest updates
-
27 June 2025
Overnight closures (8pm to 6am) for July 2025
Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 65
- Junction 66 north side of the roundabout fully closed (Convoy service in place for Cowan Gardens residents)
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
- Junction 66 northbound exit slip lane 2 closed
- A167 Durham Road southbound, lane 1 closed
- B1296 Long Bank southbound, lane 1 restriction
- Junction 67 southbound entry slip fully closed
Thursday 3 July
- A1 lanes 2 and 3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
Friday 4 July
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- Junction 67 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July
- No planned works
Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 July
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 65
Thursday 10 July
- A1 lanes 2 and 3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
Friday 11 July
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 67
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July
- No planned works
Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 July
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip road, lane 1 closed
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 65
Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 67
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July
- No planned works
Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 July
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 65
Thursday 24 July
- A1 lanes 2 and 3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
Friday 25 July
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 67
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July
- No planned works
Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 July
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 65
Thursday 31 July - A1 lanes 2 and 3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
-
02 May 2025
Overnight closures: May 2025
All closures are (8pm to 6am)
Friday 2 - Monday 5 May
- No planned work
Tuesday 6 May
- A1 Lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 Lanes 1, 2, 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip lane 1 closed.
- A1 Lanes 1,2 closed northbound between junctions 66 to 67
- A1 Lanes 1,2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 66
Wednesday 7 May
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2,3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed - A1 lanes 1,2 closed northbound between junctions 66 to 67
- A1 lanes 1,2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 66
Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Thursday 8 May
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2,3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed - A1 lanes 1,2 closed northbound between junctions 66 to 67
- A1 lane 1 closed southbound between junctions 66 to 65
Junction 65 southbound exit slip road lane 2 closed
Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Friday 9 May
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2,3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed - A1 lanes 2,3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
- Junction 66 roundabout inner ring closed
- A167 Durham road lane 1 closed
- B1295 lane restriction
- A167 Newcastle Bank lane 1 closed
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May
- No planned works
Monday 12 to Friday 16 May
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2,3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip lane 1 closed
- Junction 66 northbound exit slip road fully closed
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
- No planned works
Monday 19 May to Thursday 22 May
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2,3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip lane 1 closed
- Junction 67 roundabout outer ring closed
Friday 23 May to Monday 26 May
- No planned works (Bank Holiday embargo from 6am Friday 23 May – 00.01 Tuesday 27 May
Tuesday 27 May
- Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed
- A1 lane 1 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66 (lane gain closure)
Wednesday 28 May
- Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed
- A1 lane 1 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66 (lane gain closure)
- A1 lanes 2,3 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 66 (J69 to 68 filter lanes remain open)
Thursday 29 May
- Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed
- A1 lane 1 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66 (lane gain closure)
Friday 30 May
- Junction 65 northbound Entry slip lane 1 closed
- A1 lane 1 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66 (lane gain closure)
-
14 April 2025
Spring 2025 update
Demolition of old Allerdene Bridge
The old bridge has now been completely demolished, allowing us to start the earth works for the construction of the new Allerdene culvert.
Allerdene Bridge ongoing work
The vast majority of the new lanes created during the A1 Birtley to Coal House improvement scheme are now open and have been for some time.
An issue in the quality of welds in some recently built structures was announced by steel manufacturer Severfield in August 2024. Allerdene Bridge has been identified as one of these structures.
Our supply chain partners are continuing to address the Severfield weld issue and are working under the bridge.
We have kept the ongoing restrictions needed to as short a distance as possible to still comply with DfT’s temporary traffic management guidance and with 94% of the improved southbound carriageway and 85% of the improved northbound carriageway fully open. The restriction on abnormal loads remains in place.
The speed limit in this area will remain at 50mph. The majority of this stretch has already had a 50mph speed limit since 2010. This was implemented to reduce the number of incidents, improve the flow of traffic and improve journey time reliability along this section of the A1.
A previous southbound 70mph speed limit, south of Smithy Lane bridge prior to construction, has already been re-introduced.
We are currently erecting a scaffold so that we can carry out the repairs from underneath the structure. This is a lengthy process as we need access to the 25kV electrified railway line beneath the new bridge, when trains are not running, so we are working closely with Network Rail to a carry out this work.
We currently don’t have a completion date for this work, but due to the complexity and restricted access, it will take some time, however, once erected the scaffold will enable us to carry out the repairs unrestricted.
We would like to assure drivers that safety is our absolute top priority and only when the repairs are complete will we be able to fully open all lanes over the Allerdene bridge.
-
03 April 2025
Overnight (8pm to 6am) closures - April 2025
Thursday 3 and Friday 4 April
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1, 2 and 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed northbound at junction 67
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip road lane 1 closed
- Junction 66 north side of roundabout fully closed – convoy service for Cowen Gardens residents in place
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
- Junction 67 northbound entry slip road fully closed
- Junction 66 roundabout inner ring closed
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April
No planned works
Monday 7 to Friday 11 April
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1, 2 and 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip road lane 1 closed.
- Junction 66 south side of the roundabout fully closed
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April
No planned works
Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 April
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2 and 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- A1 lanes 1 and 2 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip fully closed
Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April
Easter embargo – no planned closures
Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 April
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2 and 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip road lane 1 closed
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April
No planned works
Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 April
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1,2 and 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 northbound entry slip road lane 1 closed
-
03 March 2025
March overnight closures
Monday 3 March - Tuesday 4 March
- A1l lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 south side of roundabout fully closed
Wednesday 5 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 67 (merge at J71)
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 South side of the roundabout fully closed
Thursday 6 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 67 (merge at J71)
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
- Junction 67 northbound entry slip road fully closed
Friday 7 March
- A1 Lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 Lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 67 (merge at J71)
- A1 Lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Monday 10 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 north side of the roundabout fully closed -convoy system for Cowen Gardens residents
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
- Junction 67 northbound entry slip road fully closed
Tuesday 11 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 north side of the roundabout fully closed -convoy system for Cowen Gardens residents
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Wednesday 12 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 northbound entry slip road fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
Thursday 13 March - Friday 14 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 southbound entry slip road fully closed
- Junction 67 southbound exit slip road fully closed
Monday 17 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 68
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 67 northbound exit slip road fully closed
Tuesday 18 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 68
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 north side of the roundabout fully closed – convoy system for Cowen Gardens residents
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
Wednesday 19 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 southbound closed between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 Fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 68 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
- Junction 66 south side of the roundabout fully closed
Thursday 20 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 southbound closed between junctions 71 to 69
- A1 fully closed southbound between junctions 69 to 65 (J69 to J68 filter lanes remain open)
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
Friday 21 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
Monday 24 March - Friday 28 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lane closures switching lanes northbound between junctions 65 to 67
- A1 lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 lane closures switching lanes southbound between junctions 67 to 65
Monday 31 March
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 to 65
- A1 lanes 1, 2 & 3 closed northbound between junctions 65 to 66
- Junction 65 Lane 1 northbound entry slip road closed
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
-
03 February 2025
February overnight closures (8pm to 6am)
The A1 Birtley to Coal House is Open for Traffic. Between J65 Birtley and J67 Coal House, the northbound carriageway has now been widened to 3 lanes and the southbound carriageway widened to 4 lanes.
Ongoing work beneath the new Allerdene Bridge requires partial lane closures over a short stretch of the structure until the work below is complete.
Monday 3 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closedTuesday 4 February - Wednesday 5 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 and junction 65
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closedThursday 6 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closedFriday 7 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 and junction 65
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closedMonday 10 February - Friday 14 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closedMonday 17 February -Tuesday 18 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and 68
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 northbound exit slip road closedWednesday 19 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 northbound exit slip road closedThursday 20 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
Junction 67 southbound entry slip road closed
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 northbound exit slip road closedFriday 21 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
Junction 66 south side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 northbound exit slip road closedSunday 23 February
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
Junction 67 southbound entry slip road closedMonday 24 February - Friday 28 February
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
-
23 January 2025
Overnight closures - 23 to 31 January 2025
Thursday 23 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 66 north side of roundabout closed
Friday 24 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
Saturday 25 January and Sunday 26 January
No planned works
Monday 27 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Tuesday 28 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Wednesday 29 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Thursday 30 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
Friday 31 January (8pm to 6am)
- A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
- A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
- A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and 67
- A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
- Junction 67 inner ring of roundabout closed
-
17 January 2025
Overnight closures for January 2025
The below closures are scheduled to take place through January from 8pm to 6am.
Friday 17 January
- A1 Lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 and 65
- A1 Fully closed northbound between junctions 65 to 68
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 71 to 67
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 67 and 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road Fully closed
- Junction 66 south side of roundabout Fully closed
- Junction 67 Inner ring of roundabout closed.
Saturday 18 January
- No planned works
Sunday 19 January
- No planned works
Monday 20 January
- A1 Lane 2 closed northbound between junctions 63 and 65
- A1 Fully closed northbound between junctions 65 and 68
- A1 Lanes 2 & 3 closed southbound between junctions 68 to 67
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 closed southbound between junctions 67 to 65
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road fully closed
Tuesday 21 January
- A1 Lane 2 northbound closed between junctions 63 and 65
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 northbound closed between junctions 65 and 67
- A1 Lanes 2 & 3 southbound closed between junctions 71 and 69
- A1 Fully closed southbound between junctions 69 and 66
- Junction 66 North side of roundabout fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road Fully closed
Wednesday 22 January
- A1 Lane 2 northbound closed between junctions 63 and 65
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 northbound closed between junctions 65 and 67
- A1 Lanes 2 & 3 southbound closed between junctions 71 and 69
- A1 Fully closed southbound between junctions 69 and 66
- Junction 66 North side of roundabout fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road Fully closed
Thursday 23 January
- A1 Lane 2 northbound closed between junctions 63 and 65
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 northbound closed between junctions 65 and 67
- A1 Lanes 2 & 3 southbound closed between junctions 68 and 67
- A1 Lanes 1 & 2 southbound closed between junctions 67 and 65
- Junction 66 north side of roundabout fully closed
- Junction 66 southbound exit slip road Fully closed
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
-
23 December 2024
Winter 2024 update
We have taken a further step towards completion with the removal of most of the traffic management.
Over recent weeks you will have noticed that we have started to remove the traffic management and open the new lanes. The scheme is making good progress and this has allowed us to open the new lanes ahead of schedule.
Allerdene Bridge Replacement
A new bridge carrying traffic over the East Coast Mainline was installed and opened to traffic in September 2023. Demolition of the old bridge continues and is expected to finish by Spring 2025. Engineering work beneath the new bridge is ongoing, requiring reduced capacity over a one-mile stretch in both directions.
North Dene Footbridge Installation
A new, longer, and more accessible footbridge was installed between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 66 (Eighton Lodge) after the previous structure was removed in September 2022 to allow for carriageway widening.
The new lanes between junctions 65 and 67 are now open in both directions, with original speed limits reinstated: 50mph northbound from junction 65 and the national speed limit southbound from near Smithy Lane overbridge.
Our Project Manager Helen Burrow said:
"We are delighted to have completed the majority of the Birtley to Coal House scheme ahead of schedule, opening new lanes and junction improvements before Christmas.
“We thank road users for their patience while engineering work on the new Allerdene Bridge continues.”
-
02 December 2024
Latest December overnight (8pm to 6am) closures
Monday 2 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Tuesday 3 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Wednesday 4 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Thursday 5 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Friday 6 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
No planned works
Monday 9 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 north side of roundabout closed
Tuesday 10 December
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and junction 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 to junction 65
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 north side of roundabout closed
A1 northbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slip
Wednesday 11 December
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and junction 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 to junction 65
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 north side of roundabout closed
A1 northbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slip
Thursday 12 December
No planned works
Friday 13 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 south side of roundabout closed
A1 northbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slip
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
No planned works
Monday 16 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 north side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
Tuesday 17 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 67
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 north side of roundabout closed
Junction 66 southbound exit slip road closed
Wednesday 18 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 south side of roundabout closed
Thursday 19 December
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed northbound between junction 65 and junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 1 and 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
Junction 67 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 66 Inner roundabout ring closed
Junction 67 south side of roundabout closed
Friday 20 to Tuesday 31 December
No planned road closures
Please note that we will be working off network to demolish the old Allerdene Bridge over Christmas Day and Boxing Day
-
21 November 2024
Latest closure information - November 2024
Thursday 21 November
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and junction 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 to junction 65
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 67
A1 northbound junction 67 closed, leave at junction 67 exit slip and rejoin at junction 67 entry slip
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closedFriday 22 November
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 71 and junction 69
A1 fully closed southbound between junction 69 to junction 65
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 67
A1 northbound junction 67 closed, leave at junction 67 exit slip and rejoin at junction 67 entry slip
Junction 66 north side of roundabout closedSaturday 23 November
No planned worksSunday 24 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65Monday 25 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
A1 southbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slipTuesday 26 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
A1 southbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slipWednesday 27 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
A1 southbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slipThursday 28 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
A1 southbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slipFriday 29 November
A1 lane 2 closed northbound between junction 63 and junction 65
A1 fully closed northbound between junction 65 to junction 68
A1 lane 3 and 2 closed southbound between junction 68 and junction 67
A1 lane 2 closed southbound between junction 67 and junction 65
A1 southbound junction 66 closed, leave at junction 66 exit slip and rejoin at junction 66 entry slipSaturday 30 November
No planned works -
14 October 2024
Demolition of the old Allerdene Bridge
We are about to begin the next phase of the A1 Birtley to Coal House improvement scheme. This vital project is part of the largest investment in road infrastructure in the region for a generation.
From Saturday, 19 October, we will begin demolishing the old Allerdene Bridge. The work will take place every Saturday night from midnight until around 7am on Sunday mornings and will continue until Spring 2025. In addition to this, there will be 7 periods of 24-hour working (details below).
The bridge crosses the East Coast Mainline, which is used by passenger and freight trains linking Scotland and the North East to the rest of the UK. We are working closely with Network Rail to ensure this demolition is completed safely and with as little disruption as possible.
Why is the work happening at night?
We can only carry out the demolition at night, when trains aren’t running. The process will begin after the last train on Saturday night and finish before the first train on Sunday morning. This work is essential for safety and must follow a specific plan. Please note, the activity will be noisy and may cause local disturbance.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day demolition
We would like to give you advance notice of major demolition activity on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when we will start removing the central structure of the old bridge. This will be much louder than previous stages, and we will be working 24 hours a day during this period. We understand this could impact holiday plans, and we are providing this early notification so you can make arrangements if necessary.
Following Christmas, there will be additional 24-hour demolition sessions on the dates outlined below.
Key demolition dates
Saturday night only (midnight Saturday to 7am Sunday)
- 19 October to 21 December
- 4 January to 1 February
24-hour working
- Midnight Wednesday 25 December – 6am Friday 27 December
- Midnight Saturday 8 February – 6am Monday 10 February 2025
- Midnight Saturday 15 February – 6am Monday 17 February 2025
- Midnight Saturday 22 February – 6am Monday 24 February 2025
- 10pm Friday 28 February – 6am Monday 3 March 2025
- 10pm Friday 7 March – 6am Monday 10 March 2025
- 10pm Friday 14 March – 6am Monday 17 March 2025
Public Information Event
We will be holding a public information drop-in session at Ravensworth Golf Club on Wednesday, 4 December, from 3pm to 8pm. You can meet with members of the project team to ask any questions and learn more about the upcoming demolition work.
We will continue to keep you informed about the demolition and any other work leading up to the Christmas period.
-
05 August 2024
A1 latest closure information - August 2024
Please plan your journey ahead and expect delays during these periods.
Closures can also change at short notice. Make sure you check the latest information on our daily closures page. You can also get information on our regional X (formerly Twitter) page.
Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.
Tuesday, 20 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Wednesday, 21 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Thursday, 22 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Tuesday, 27 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Wednesday, 28 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Thursday, 29 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Friday, 30 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
Saturday, 31 August
- Northbound
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 63 and Junction 65
- Fully closed between Junction 65 and Junction 68
- Southbound
- Lane 3 and 2 closed between Junction 68 and Junction 67
- Lane 2 closed between Junction 67 and Junction 65
- Junction 67
- South side of the roundabout closed
-
09 June 2024
Junction 65 southbound off-slip now open
After successfully filling the void at junction 65 southbound off-slip, we've reopened the slip road. Vehicles can now access the A1231
This should improve some of the traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
We've worked to ensure we completed repairs as quickly and safely as possible.
The closure was necessary for safety reasons. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
-
26 January 2024
Widening exit slip and earthworks
We are widening the exit slip road and need to carry out significant earthwork to install new drainage and the new lane.
This phase is expected to last around 8 weeks from late January and we will continue to work in the area once this phase of work is completed.
This work will require lane closures on the southbound exit slip road:
Please remember that closure details can change at short notice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our daily closures page.
Delays are expected at peak times as people get used to the temporary layout and we ask people to plan ahead.
See the diversion routes we will be using during this scheme.
-
19 May 2021
We're starting work
We’re starting work to improve the A1 between Birtley and Coal House. This part of the A1 runs past the iconic Angel of the North and carries the A1 over the East Coast Main Line.
The A1 between J65 and J67 suffers from heavy traffic build up at peak times, causing frustration for drivers and unreliable journey times.
We are widening the carriageway adding an additional lane in both directions. The northbound carriageway will increase to three lanes and the southbound to four.
This scheme is really important for the north east – benefitting the region’s economy and supports Transport for the North’s plans
We’re working closely with Gateshead Council and local communities to make sure our scheme does not alter the local views and supports biodiversity and environmental interests.
-
25 January 2021
Project given permission
On 19 January the Secretary of State for Transport gave permission for this scheme to be constructed. This permission is called a Development Consent Order and you can find out more about it on the Planning Inspectorate's website. We are currently looking at when we will start work and this will be no later than summer 2021.
Project information
Overview
We will be improving approximately four miles of the A1 between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 67 (Coal House). The existing road will be widened between the junctions to help manage traffic joining and leaving the A1:
- Northbound we’ll increase the number of lanes from two to three.
- Southbound we’ll increase the number of lanes from three to four.
Junction 65, 66 and 67 will be modified to accommodate the additional lanes.
We also plan to replace Allerdene railway bridge, which carries the A1 over the east coast mainline railway. The current bridge was built nearly 40 years ago and requires regular maintenance which can cause disruption to traffic. We’ll build the new bridge just south of the existing bridge.
Benefits
We’re designing this improvement scheme to benefit road users, local communities, and to support the region’s economy.
Once completed it will:
- reduce congestion by increasing capacity for road users
- improve the reliability of peoples’ journeys and reduce delays by increasing capacity of the road network
- make journeys safer by improving the standard and capacity of the road
- help support economic growth by improving the road to the Newcastle and Tyneside area (Team Valley Employment Zone)
- support the government’s initiative for growth in the north
Give us your feedback
Visit our A1 Birtley to Coal House feedback tool to have your say. The tool includes an interactive map. You can click on a location to make a specific comment, or give us your general feedback.
ECHO is a one-way feedback tool, so if you’d like a response to your feedback you can email the project team at: A1BirtleytoCoalhouse@nationalhighways.co.uk
Documents
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.Sign up for updates!
Keep up to date with what's happening on this scheme by signing up to our updates.
