A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge
Following several reactive repairs, we plan to carry out inspections and resurfacing on Wentbridge Viaduct and a pier replacement on Wentedge Road Bridge. This work is substantial and is likely to cause disruption to customers travelling on the A1.
Latest updates
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31 October 2024
Lifting of roadworks between November and January
We'll be lifting the contraflow arrangement currently on the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge between November and January.
This aims to reduce congestion in the run-up to the festive period and into the New Year.
From 16 November, there will be two lanes running northbound between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge. From 21 November, there will be two lanes running southbound.
Closures
To enable the removal of the contraflow, the following full overnight closures will be implemented. Each closure is scheduled for between 8pm and 6am the following morning:
- Northbound – 15 November
- Southbound – 17, 18, 19 and 20 November
Traffic management will be reinstated from 3 January to allow us to complete the pier demolition at Wentedge Road Bridge and continue with the other essential works.
When we start to reinstate the traffic management, the following overnight closures are scheduled:
- Northbound – 3, 5 and 6 January
- Southbound: 7, 8 and 9 January (with 10 January scheduled as a further contingency date)
Removal of Wentedge Road Bridge central pier – January 2025
When we begin to replace the central pier at Wentedge Road Bridge in January, we will need to put in place some additional overnight full closures on the A1. These will be communicated nearer the time as dates are confirmed.
We will then need to close Wentedge Road over the bridge deck from February 2025 until August 2025. This is necessary to safely remove the central pier and temporarily support the bridge.
Diversion routes
We will have clearly signed diversions throughout the closures.
To encourage drivers to use the clearly signed diversion routes, instead of self-diverting through local villages, we’re using an unprecedented amount of signage on the Local Authority network, more than on any other scheme in Yorkshire and North East.
Public information event – 25 January 2025
We're holding a public engagement event on Saturday 25 January 2025 at Darrington Golf Club, Havercroft Lane, Darrington, WF8 3BP.
We will be presenting an update on the A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge scheme from 10am. The session is expected to last around two hours, with anyone wishing to attend advised to arrive for 9.45am.
As well as finding out about the latest developments, the event will give people the chance to ask any questions about the scheme and speak directly to the project team.
A1 Redhouse to Barnsdale Bar safety barrier and lighting upgrade
From 4 November, we will begin a separate scheme between the A1(M) junctions 38 (A638 Redhouse) and A1 junction 39 (A639 Barnsdale Bar). We’re upgrading the safety barrier and lighting in this area as well as replacing missing or damaged marker posts. This scheme will begin on Monday 4 November and is expected to be complete in March 2025.
We will be implementing narrow lanes to allow two lanes to run in both directions and there will be a 40mph speed limit.
The A1 will be closed northbound between junctions 38 and 39 overnight for three nights from 4 – 6 November.
Each of these closures will be in place between 8pm and 5am.
We are committed to working closely with the local community and keeping you informed of our progress. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support as we carry out these essential works.
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21 August 2024
August update - additional work required extending end date
We’re continuing essential repairs and upgrades to the A1’s Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge, with the entire project now expected to be completed by late summer 2025.
Revised programme
Our original plan was to complete the waterproofing and resurfacing of Wentbridge Viaduct by summer 2024 and return in 2026 to start work on Wentedge Road Bridge. However, due to unforeseen challenges and additional work identified during the project, we now expect the viaduct work to extend into spring 2025.
Given the complexity of the repairs, and to minimise future disruption, we’ve decided to bring forward the replacement of the central pier at Wentedge Road Bridge. This work was initially scheduled for 2026 but will now be carried out simultaneously with the ongoing viaduct repairs. By doing this, we aim to complete all work by the end of August 2025. Additionally, we’ll carry out other essential maintenance on the A1 in the area to further reduce the need for future closures.
This is a significant and complex project, involving the renewal of the waterproofing membrane on the Wentbridge Viaduct and a special inspection of the structure to protect it for the future. We are also addressing repairs to reinforced concrete, manhole cover plates, maintenance walkway anchor points, and safety barrier foundations that were identified after the initial layers of surfacing were removed.
The work is essential for maintaining the long-term safety and durability of these bridges. To maximise efficiency and use the expertise of our teams already on site, similar traffic management to what is currently in place will continue.
Managing disruption
We understand that this extended work will cause inconvenience, and we are committed to reducing disruption as much as possible. By integrating the Wentedge Road Bridge repairs into the current programme, we can avoid the need for further long-term closures in the future.
Christmas break
Currently, a contraflow system is in place on the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge, allowing us to work on the northbound carriageway. To ease travel during the busy festive season, we plan to lift the contraflow system from November 2024 until January 2025, restoring two lanes in both directions. We will reinstate the traffic management in January 2025 to complete the demolition of the Wentedge Road Bridge pier and undertake other critical work.
Diversion routes
To safely carry out the necessary repairs on Wentedge Road Bridge, the bridge deck on Wentedge Road will be closed from February 2025 until August 2025. This closure is required to remove the central pier and temporarily support the bridge. Local, clearly signed diversion routes will be in place, and we strongly encourage drivers to follow these official routes to minimise disruption to the surrounding villages.
We continue to work closely with local communities, and we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the diversions. We understand the challenges posed by these works and are making every effort to complete them as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety and longevity of these important structures.
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17 April 2024
Work continues on Wentbridge viaduct northbound carriageway
The contraflow switch in March allowed us to start work on the northbound carriageway of Wentbridge Viaduct. Our specialist contractors are working in a combination of day and night shifts.
We've removed the surface and waterproofing on the northbound bridge deck so we can make detailed inspections of the concrete.
Where we find damaged areas, we're removing them with hand tools rather than large plant machinery. This helps protect the cables within the concrete that give the bridge strength.
We're also continuing our inspections on Wentedge Bridge.
Advice for drivers
Please stay on the A1 - the route is open under contraflow and delays at peak times are up to 40 minutes on average.
Alternatively, use the M62 and M18 as an alternative route.
Local villages have weight, height and environmental restrictions which the police are monitoring and enforcing.
We're using a safety camera vehicle in several locations. We're sharing the data we collect with the police to use in enforcement.
We thank drivers, residents and businesses for continued patience during this complex repair programme.
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16 February 2024
Traffic switch to allow work to start on the northbound carriageway.
We want to remind drivers and residents of overnight closures on the A1 starting next week as a major scheme of work on Wentbridge Viaduct takes its next steps forward. Work to waterproof and resurface the southbound carriageway is near completion.
Closures will be in place to move the contraflow currently in place between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge, enabling essential work to switch from the A1 southbound to northbound.
Please remember that closure details can change at short notice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our daily closures page.
During overnight closures, for those residents who live directly on the A1, previous escort arrangements will be back in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience this essential maintenance causes and appreciate your continued patience while we progress the work.
Read our answers to frequently asked questions about the project so far.
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16 January 2023
A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge - enabling work to start 6 February
Following several reactive repairs, we need to carry out a structural inspection and renew the waterproofing layer on the viaduct at Wentbridge. We also aim to complete major repairs to Wentedge Road Bridge at the same time.
We plan to start this work in April 2023 and aim to finish winter 2023. This work is substantial and is likely to cause disruption to customers travelling on the A1.
Before we start in April, we need to complete some enabling work as we plan to install a contraflow on the A1. The enabling work includes upgrading contraflow crossover points, strengthening drainage covers and other survey work. We aim to start the enabling work on 6 February and plan to complete in March.
Project information
Overview
Wentbridge viaduct bridge, which opened to traffic in 1961, is a concrete motorway bridge carrying the A1 over the River Went. Wentbridge village sits immediately west of the bridge with Brockerdale Nature Reserve to the east.
Wentbridge viaduct is an internationally renowned structure; it was chosen to feature in the Twentieth Century Engineering Exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art and is a heritage listed building.
The bridge needs several essential repairs in addition to our regular maintenance, these repairs were identified during recent inspections of the structure.
While the road is closed, we’ll also use the time to make more detailed inspections of the bridge and complete other repairs nearby at Wentedge Road Bridge.
We are replacing the central pier at Wentedge Rd Bridge plus associated works on the top of the structure including replacement of the parapets, joints, and surfacing.
These are substantial repairs. We may need to revise timescales once the extent of the repairs are uncovered.
Benefits
We’re making several essential repairs and improvements for safer and smoother journeys for customers.
This work will extend the life of each bridge and reduce the number of reactive repairs and unplanned road closures on this route.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 2024
Why has the completion date changed to Summer 2024?
We started enabling work in April of 2023 by installing a contraflow on the viaduct. This allowed us to remove road surface layers to conduct in depth inspections and investigations. Since removing the road surface, several issues were uncovered, and those issues meant we have had to revise our programme of work. Once we were aware of the extent of the repairs and had solutions to address them, we adjusted our completion date to April 2024. We have taken the decision to revise this date again to the summer 2024, considering remedial work required on Wentedge Bridge, so we can stand down this part of the project.
We are deferring the work on Wentedge Bridge while we work behind the scenes on a new design for the central pier and the engineering solutions required to prop the structure. This means once northbound work on Wentbridge Viaduct is complete, we can re-open this part of the A1. We aim to return during 2026 to complete Wentedge Bridge. As this is a busy part of the A1, we may need to return before then to carry out other routine repair work as part of our day-to-day management of the network.
Why has there been little or no activity on the viaduct?
Once the repairs were identified it took some time to design, check and approve the engineering solutions. When those repairs got underway, they required up close and invasive working methods, often with hand tools. This is because we need to protect the post-tensioned cables within the bridge from any damage. We did not need large plant machinery for this phase, so at times it can appear less busy. We also had several repairs which were accessed from underneath the structure.
Why are your workers in vehicles, shouldn’t they be fixing the bridges?
For safety and security reasons, our traffic management (the contraflow and access onto the work area) is staffed 24/7. It is the role of our traffic management contractor to monitor access into the work area, adjacent compound, and site office. Traffic management contractors do not carry out work on the roads, they are there to support safe working and ensure no unauthorised vehicles enter the work area.
Can you work 24/7 to complete the maintenance sooner?
We continue to work on site using a mix of daytime and evening shifts and where resources are available, at the weekends. There may be times when there is less activity on the bridge as concrete is curing and we carry out work behind the scenes and underneath, below the deck. No activity does not mean we are not working on this project – at any one time we have a large team of engineers and contractors working to refurbish the bridge and progress the project.
Are both the viaduct and bridge safe? Would it be quicker to build a new one?
Yes, they are safe and there is plenty of life left the viaduct. Building a new viaduct is not necessary, this would be more disruptive and would not represent value for money at this time as our extensive testing shows the integrity of the viaduct is overall, in good condition. Wentedge Bridge is safe to use, and recent inspections will help inform work in the future.
Why is so much traffic diverted through local villages? What can you do to stop this?
We are not diverting or signposting any traffic through local roads while the A1(M) is open, under contraflow. Drivers are making these decisions independently or are choosing to follow their Satnavs. Unless there is a restriction in place, it is perfectly legal for drivers to make those choices although we understand that this impacts on local residents. We have placed extensive signage across all local villages, including ‘no access for HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)’ and ‘local access only’ signage on unsuitable roads, balancing this with signage requests from local businesses, who are still open and trading.
We are doing all we can to keep drivers updated about any delays and are advising road users to expect some delays on the A1(M) or are signposting to the M18 and M62, using signage from Scotch Corner to the M25.
Drivers are speeding through villages – what can you do to stop this?
We have met with residents including parish councils to see how we can support safe driving behaviour. As a result, we have safety camera vehicles operating in the area and the Police are actively enforcing speed limits, weight, and height restrictions on local routes.
How do I report maintenance issues on the local roads?
The local road network is under the management of Wakefield Council or North Yorkshire Council. We continue to meet and liaise with the local authorities on a regular basis; they are fully aware of our work and the challenges for drivers and residents. We are not diverting traffic onto these local routes, except during full overnight closures and these have been minimal. If you spot any emergency repair issues, these should be reported to the council on their website or 24/7 customer service phone number.
What are the queuing times like on the A1(M)? How long will I be delayed?
Our electronic monitoring shows that on average, queuing times are around 30 minutes at peak times before getting through the contraflow – staying on the A1(M) or using the M18/M62 as an alternative, are the best routes to follow for all traffic.
Some drivers are using Darrington Lane to come off the A1 and then re-join, to try and get ahead of queuing traffic. This is causing congestion in Darrington. There is as a lot of unnecessary traffic going around the roundabout. Could traffic lights be fitted on the southbound slip road as a deterrent? On the A1, drivers are also using the ‘hard shoulder’ area to get around vehicles.
Can you barrier the verge to stop those using it illegally?
We are aware of these issues and have looked at several options. Trying to re-join the A1 using the roundabout off Darrington Lane has no positive outcome – no time is saved by taking this route during peak times. While this behaviour may add to the congestion, choosing to take this route is perfectly legal and there are no powers to enforce any restrictions.
We will continue to sign the correct route through the contraflow and share information with drivers to help plan journeys. There is no hard shoulder in this area as there is not enough room, instead the road surface has a restricted area as shown by the raised white lining near the verge. Using this area to jump traffic is an offence – we cannot barrier or cone this area as emergency vehicles still need access, as they would a hard shoulder. However, as a result of driver behaviour, we have installed a safety camera in this location. The Police are aware of the issue and are enforcing the restriction.
Where are you diverting traffic when the A1 is closed?
Drivers are advised to stay on the motorway network where possible using the M62 and M18 for both northbound and southbound journeys.
Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange.
Northbound high-sided vehicles, north of Wadworth (junction 35) - leave A1 at Barnsdale Bar onto A6201 and onto A628 re-joining A1 from the A645 via Ferrybridge Interchange. The Environmental Weight Restriction for HGVs on A628 Ackworth has been revoked during overnight closures of the A1. This is due to height restrictions on alternate route.
Northbound diversion, traffic north of Wadworth (junction 35) - leave A1 at Barnsdale Bar onto A639, re-joining A1 from the A645 via Ferrybridge Interchange. There are height restrictions on this route.
Southbound traffic use the M62 and M18
What have you done to keep people informed about this work?
We began advance communications in January 2023 through the local media, councillors, and parish councils, four months ahead of our start date. We also sent updates to local MPs (Member of Parliament) and continue to do so.
We held a public information event in February in Darrington and are looking to repeat this on Saturday 10 February 2024.
We have sent written updates to over 2000 residents, at several stages of the project and communicate with distribution and logistics companies by email or newsletters, so they can plan.
The project team also continue to respond to residents' questions on an individual basis in person, by email and over the phone.
We are sharing regular updates in the press, on our website and social media channels to keep drivers, businesses and residents informed.
Where can I find real time updates about any delays and closures?
Real time information about closures is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com and the X (formally Twitter) account @HighwaysYorks.
We’ll also be updating our Facebook page, National Highways Yorkshire - although this is not managed 24/7.
For urgent real-time assistance, our 24/7 contact centre team can also provide up-to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Other enquires can be sent to our regional customer service team by email at info@nationalhighways.co.uk
Documents
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
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