A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge

Latest updates

• 16 November 2023

  Emergency repairs - notice of overnight closures

  We are planning to close the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge Interchange overnight to carry out urgent repairs to gullies. 

  • Northbound on Saturday 18 November between 8pm and 6am. 
  • Southbound on Sunday 19 November between 8pm and 6am.

  Diversions 

  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, traffic 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 The Environmental Weight Restriction for HGVs on A628 Ackworth has been revoked during overnight closures of the A1.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

   

  We apologise in advance for the late notification as these are unplanned repairs and thank you for your continued patience. 

  We will soon provide a wider project update once these repairs are completed and will publish that information here and on social media. 

• 26 September 2023

  A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge September update

  Our work on A1 Wentbridge Viaduct continues, working under contraflow, which allows for continued access for drivers.

  

  We continue to work on concrete repairs following issues uncovered during the summer and design solutions for exposed areas of reinforcement, failed manhole cover plates, damage to the maintenance walkway anchor points (under the bridge), and defects to the safety barrier are well underway.

  We are working 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 we carry out work behind the scenes and below the deck.

  The next set of closures are planned for December, we will provide advance notice of these once the current phase of concrete repairs are completed.

  Thank you for your patience while we continue to progress with these major repairs on both structures. 

• 31 July 2023

  A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge July update

  We've been onsite for six months and want to provide an update about our work on the A1 in advance of our next set of closures, which will allow work to progress on Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge.

  During the first six months, our efforts have focussed on Wentbridge Viaduct.

  • We completed the installation of the contraflow and all the work needed to get
    the central reservation surface ready for vehicles.
  • Created a new access route and maintained access for some properties directly
    on the A1.
  • Removed all the southbound bridge surface materials bridge joints and the
    existing waterproofing layer.
  • Started to remove the central reservation platform.
  • Completed the in-depth investigation, inspecting and testing of the deck (bridge
    sections).
  • Drainage investigations across the bridge have taken place.

  Over the last few weeks, our work has concentrated on investigating and testing of the concrete structure. We now have a greater understanding of the scale of work that needs to be done to maintain the lifespan of the bridge, which opened to traffic in 1961, while reducing the need for repairs in the future.

  As a result, we need to revise our original completion estimate for Wentbridge Viaduct from August 2023 to April 2024, in line with the finish date for work on Wentedge Bridge, close by.

  A number of unforeseen issues were uncovered on removal of the road surface and waterproofing layer. These have included a loss of concrete on the concrete deck ends, exposed areas of reinforcement, damage to the maintenance walkway anchor points (under the bridge) and defects to the safety barrier foundations.

  Whilst these issues have not caused a safety risk to the public, we must address them now to ensure they do not worsen and cause future closures for emergency repairs. Unfortunately, the design and approval of these repairs must be completed before the work can be undertaken, which is why you may have noticed periods of inactivity on the bridge itself.

  We can assure you we are working as hard as possible to rectify these issues and have the bridge open to traffic as normal.

  We understand that this revised completion date is disappointing, and that work is causing disruption. This part of the A1 has evolved over many years as opposed to being a purposely built motorway, this means diversion options and alternative routes for drivers are limited.

  We are doing all we can to reduce the impact on drivers and residents. This includes extensive signage from the M25 to Scotch Corner, a considerable number of fixed signs along the A1, B6474, Westfield Lane and village locations including Wentbridge and East Hardwick. We continue to share extensive press, web, and social media updates to ask drivers to use alternative motorway routes.

  We continue to liaise closely with West Yorkshire Police who, when resources allow, are checking traffic on village routes carrying out enforcement on weight restrictions, unsuitable routes for HGVs and speed limits.

  What happens next

  We are now replacing the bridge joints across the viaduct structure and this work started week beginning 24 July under existing traffic management. We will also need three northbound overnight closures so we can carry out some of this work safely on:

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 14, 15 & 16 August 8pm – 6am.

  Existing escort arrangements for residents and diversion routes for vehicles will be in place; we encourage drivers to use the M18 and M62 wherever possible. Vehicles north of Wadworth/Doncaster will use the A628 or A639 – please refer to previous updates on this page for more information on why these routes are in use.

  For a larger version of this map click here

  

  We apologise for any inconvenience this essential maintenance causes and appreciate your continued patience while we progress the work.

  If you would like to discuss this scheme, or need further information, please contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or email ODYNECustomerSupport@nationalhighways.co.uk

   

• 20 June 2023

  A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge June update

  Work to inspect and refurbish Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge continues.

  Since work began, we have completed: -

  • Wentbridge Viaduct: accommodation work (creating resident vehicle access) for some of the customers living directly off the A1.
  • Installation of the contraflow and all the enabling work associated with getting the central reserve surface ready for vehicles 
  • All the southbound deck surface materials and the existing waterproofing layer has been removed.
  • The existing bridge joints have been removed.
  • The central reservation platform removal has commenced.
  • In depth investigation, inspecting and testing of the deck is on-going.
  • Drainage investigations across the bridge have taken place.
  • Wentedge Road Bridge enabling work has started.
  • Design work is continuing together with a Temporary Works Design for the propping of the existing bridge deck (for when we remove the central pier).

  

  What happens now?

  We’ll be carrying out work on the central reservation barrier overnight for three nights on the southbound carriageway. The A1 southbound will be closed between 8pm and 6am on the following dates: -

  • 12, 13 and 14 July 2023

  Residents living directly on the southbound carriageway are being informed by post; the existing access arrangements will be in place.  

  Wentbridge Viaduct: - A small team have been working on and around the bridge to complete inspections and testing of the bridge deck. This work doesn’t involve large plant or machinery and so at times it may look as though no activity is taking place on the bridge.

  There is a great deal of work going on in the background to plan the next phase informed by the results of the inspection and testing.  Once that programme is confirmed, we will share more details with customers and residents.

  Wentedge Road Bridge: - design engineers are working off site to plan the work and some enabling work is underway to prepare the site. The A1 (under the bridge) and Wentedge Road remain open currently.

  Thank you again to residents, businesses, and road users for your patience while we progress this major bridge refurbishment programme.

• 23 May 2023

  A1 Northbound overnight closure for emergency repair Wednesday 24 May

  We apologise for this late notice - we need to add an additional northbound closure of the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge Interchange this Wednesday, 24 May, due to a large pothole on the road surface.

  The southbound contraflow is not affected. 

  Traffic will use the diversion routes already in place for closures in this area 8 pm until 6 am. If we complete before that time, the road will open sooner.

  • Northbound high-sided vehicles, traffic 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. 
  • Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange.

  Thank you for your patience while we complete these emergency repairs. We apologise to residents on the diversion route who may experience increased traffic noise overnight.

• 15 May 2023

  A1 Southbound overnight closures to work on central barrier - June 2023

  Our next phase of work requires us to ‘cap’ the ends of the central barrier after it was cut to remove a section to accommodate the contraflow, where it crosses over to the other carriageway.

  We will close the southbound carriageway for five nights, Monday to Friday from Monday 5 June to Friday 9 June inclusive from 8pm until 6am each night. If we finish earlier in the week, we will be able to lift the southbound closure to re-open the road.

  For southbound residents at West Park Drive and Grove Hall Lane, existing escorting arrangements, in place to enable access to and from your properties overnight, will be extended to cover these shifts between 8pm and 6am. Please use your existing passes. 

  A fully signed diversion will be in place for all other southbound traffic via the M62 and M18. 

  We apologise for any inconvenience this essential maintenance causes and appreciate your continued patience while we progress the work.  

• 17 April 2023

  Emergency repair - A1 Wentbridge Viaduct pothole repair

  We apologise for this late notice - we need to add an additional northbound closure of the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge Interchange this Thursday, 20 April, due to a large pothole on the road surface. This was reported over the weekend and followed up with a temporary repair.

  The southbound contraflow is not affected. 

  Traffic will use the diversion routes already in place for closures in this area 8 pm until 6 am. If we complete before that time, the road will open sooner.

  • Northbound high-sided vehicles, traffic 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. 
  • Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange.

  Thank you for your patience while we complete these emergency repairs. We apologise to residents on the diversion route who may experience increased traffic noise overnight.

• 28 March 2023

  Main work starts on Wentbridge Viaduct - April

  Following enabling work during February and March, our major programme of work on Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Bridge will begin after the Easter Bank Holiday. 

  The Wentbridge viaduct work is expected to complete in Autumn 2023, with the Wentedge Road Bridge scheme expected to finish in early 2024.  

  Preparations for the improvements began in early February; we have installed narrow lanes and upgraded the crossover points on the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge. This is to prepare for the contraflow which will be in place during the main works and enable the work to be carried out as safely as possible. 

  From Tuesday 11 April, there will be a series of overnight full and lane closures (day and night) in place to set up the traffic management for the contraflow: 

  • 11-14 April: The A1 northbound will be closed each night between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge. A fully signed diversion will be in place.
  • 11-14 April: A1 southbound Lane 2 overnight closure between Ferrybridge and Barnsdale Bar.
  • 12-16 April: Lane 2 northbound daytime closure
  • 15-16 April: A1 southbound will be closed between Ferrybridge and Barnsdale Bar on both nights.   
  • 16 April: Lane: 2 southbound daytime closure

  All overnight closures will run between 8pm and 6am the following morning. 

  Northbound & southbound diversion during closures

  • Northbound high sided vehicles, traffic 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.
  • Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange. 
  • Southbound diversion - traveling beyond Doncaster, M62 and M18 and back onto the A1 at Wadworth.

  From Monday 17 April, the southbound carriageway will be fully closed as the first phase of the works begins.  Traffic travelling in both directions will be in contraflow on the northbound carriageway.  

  Future phases will require traffic to run on the southbound carriageway, and then finally in single lanes in both directions. Details of these phases will be communicated as the scheme progresses. 

  To keep any disruption to a minimum, both structures are being improved using the same traffic management layout, which will include the installation of a contraflow, narrow lanes, and a temporary barrier to keep the workforce safe. Switches between the phases will require a number of overnight full closures to alter the traffic management. A fully signed diversion will be in place. 

  These are essential works which will improve journeys on this important route and minimise disruption by reducing the number of works on this section of the A1 in the future. 

  We do unfortunately expect some disruption while this is carried out. We apologise in advance to drivers and residents close to the work for disruption, and we thank them in advance for their patience. 

  We strongly advise people planning to travel in this area to plan their journeys in advance and allow more time to reach their destination. 

  We are working hard to keep traffic on our motorway network as much as possible; however, in instances when traffic needs to be diverted on to local roads, we are asking drivers to follow the fully signposted diversions. 

• 17 March 2023

  Enabling works - update on overnight closures

  Enabling work to establish a contraflow on the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge Interchange is progressing well although we have experienced some delays due to recent bad weather. 

  Due to heavy snow, a number of overnight shifts had to be cancelled on the southbound carriageway; these have now been rescheduled for the following dates:- 

  • Thursday 30 March
  • Friday 31 March 
  • Monday 3 April 

  We will be contacting customers who live directly on the A1 southbound to update you about our plans. Existing escorting arrangements in place to enable access to and from your properties overnight will be extended to cover the extra shifts, between 8pm and 6am.  

  Northbound closures are not affected and will continue as planned on the following dates:-

  • Monday 20 March 
  • Tuesday 21 March 
  • Wednesday 22 March  

  We apologise for any inconvenience these additional dates may cause and appreciate your patience while we prepare the carriageway for the contraflow.  

• 14 February 2023

  Public information event - your feedback

  On Saturday 11 February we held a public information event at Darrington Golf Club for local residents and road users with questions about our work at Wentbridge and Wentedge, on the A1. 

  We would like to say thank you to everyone who attended; your questions and feedback will help us to continually review the impact of the work and inform concise methods of communication. 

  We were also pleased to meet a resident who worked on Wentbridge Viaduct following it's opening in 1961, as an employee of the former West Riding County Council. 

  

  Here is a summary of some of the key questions raised, and our answers.

  Why are HGVs being diverted through Ackworth when there is a weight restriction?

  We are signing high sided vehicles (not all HGVs) through Ackworth on the A628 during our eight northbound overnight closures as this is the only route available due to height restrictions on the A639 (a low bridge).  

  When choosing a diversion route, there are many factors to be considered such as height and weight restrictions, access to properties, impact on communities and the road alignment. When we have to divert onto local roads, we are led by the local authority who advise us of options and approve the final route. 

  Wakefield Council enforce the environmental weight restriction which is in place on a section of the A628 in High Ackworth. This is not a structural weight limit, but one in place to reduce HGV movements through the village. As there are no other options for high sided vehicles, this restriction has been revoked while the overnight closures are in place. 

  As soon as our eight overnight closures are completed, the restriction will be put back in place and this will continue to be enforced by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police. 

  We will continue to signpost all other northbound traffic to use the M18 and M62, south of junction 35 and for traffic north of Doncaster, we are signposting to a diversion on the A639 with the exception of high sided vehicles. 

  Why can't traffic be diverted onto Went Lane and Ackworth Road Featherstone?

  Whilst we accept the A628 is not an ideal diversion route for all vehicles (given the narrow sections of road and proximity to properties), the alternative route suggested by some residents of using Went Lane and Ackworth Road Featherstone for example is equally if not more, unsuitable.

  The proposed route is an A road whereby the alternative is a B road; Went Lane also has narrow sections along its length including a ‘shuttle working’ traffic signal arrangement to control traffic flow over the River Went. Furthermore, the junction of Ackworth Road and Pontefract Road would struggle to physically accommodate large vehicles when stopped (or queued) at the traffic signals, potentially gridlocking the east and west bound directions along the A645 due to the one-way traffic flow arrangement at the junction.

  HGV traffic that is low enough to clear the low bridge at Hardwick Road Pontefract will be encouraged to use the A639 and only those over height HGVs will take the more circuitous route along the A628. This should mean only a small number of HGVs will be required to use the A628, although it is recognised that the desire would be to have none of these vehicles along this route.

  As a result, on this occasion, we must send high sided vehicles along the A628.

  How will you deter traffic from using the A1 during the main work?

  • We are signing the roadworks from the M25, Peterborough and Scotch Corner to advise customers of likely delays and are asking them to consider using the M18, M62 or M1 where possible, before they join queuing traffic. 
  • We are using our channels to ask haulage companies to plan ahead, use alternative routes and not to follow sat navs onto unsuitable roads in Wentbridge, East Hardwick and the surrounding villages.  
  • We will have mobile electronic signage on the approach to the closure to advise customer of real time queuing information during peak times.  
  • We have placed extensive static signage in the local area to advise drivers of unsuitable roads and no through roads. Following this meeting, we will add others to areas which were highlighted by local residents, after consultation with Wakefield Council. 
  • We are asking people to avoid using their satnavs. Our variable messaging signs will instruct drivers of the most suitable route to take. Drivers can also keep up to date with our real time updates on Twitter - @HighwaysYORKS or www.trafficengland.co.uk

  Will the southbound petrol station and services be open? 

  Yes, when the main work starts and the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge is under contraflow, the BP garage will be open as it sits outside the crossover points and contraflow. 

  What’s the plan for the new A1 Doncaster to Darrington road scheme?

  A1 Doncaster to Darrington is a Roads Investment Strategy (RIS3) Pipeline scheme. The RIS3 Pipeline is made up of 32 potential future schemes and all schemes are being assessed against a broad range of criteria including value for money, affordability, the environment and deliverability.

  We’re working on providing as much information to the Department for Transport who will consider the next steps as a portfolio of schemes. The pipeline schemes remain uncommitted until the government publishes the Roads Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3): 2025-2030. Only then will we know which schemes will be taken further. The final decision will rest with the government. 

  Other comments 

  • Resident comments on a water run off issue near Wentbridge Viaduct.
  • Length of notice for residents living in Ackworth re customer letters.
  • Individual comments and queries from those residents living directly on the A1.
  • Queries around litter and welfare facilities for the workforce.
  • Potential of congestion in Pontefract town centre at Town End.
  • Questions about through traffic in Wentbridge, East Hardwick and Westfield Lane. 

  Thank you to everyone for your attendance at this event; we are looking at all the feedback and comments to help inform our plans and how we monitor the impact on residents and drivers as the work gets underway. 

• 06 February 2023

  Diversions - A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge bridge - enabling work February and March

  The following diversions are in place for overnight closures on the A1 between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge Interchange. 8pm while 6am. You can download a copy of this map at the end of this page. 

  Diversion (closures in both directions, but not at the same time/dates - for dates please see below). 

  • Northbound high sided vehicles, traffic 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.
  • Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange. 
  • Southbound diversion - traveling beyond Doncaster, M62 and M18 and back onto the A1 at Wadworth.

   

   

• 03 February 2023

  Closures during enabling works

  Enabling works and closures 

  Ahead of the main programme, enabling work will take place to allow National Highways to install the contraflow. Engineers will upgrade contraflow crossover points, strengthen drainage covers and other survey work. The enabling work will start on Monday (6 February) and is due to complete in March.  

  This will mean the closure of the northbound carriageway from Barnsdale Bar to Ferrybridge Interchange overnight, between 8pm-6am, on the following dates:    

  • Monday 6 February 
  • Tuesday 7 February 
  • Friday 10 February 
  • Monday 13 February 
  • Tuesday 14 February  
  • Monday 20 March 
  • Tuesday 21 March 
  • Wednesday 22 March  

  In addition, the southbound carriageway from Ferrybridge Interchange to Barnsdale Bar will be closed overnight between 8pm-6am, on the following dates:  

  • Wednesday 8 February – Thursday 9 February 
  • Wednesday 15 February – Friday 17 February 
  • Monday 20 February – Friday 24 February 
  • Monday 27 February – Friday 3 March 
  • Monday 6 March – Friday 10 March 
  • Monday 13 March – Friday 17 March  

  These closures will allow the installation of narrow lanes on the carriageway to keep traffic flowing on this route. A temporary safety barrier will also be installed to keep the workforce safe throughout the work and separate opposite flowing traffic. 

  A fully signed diversion route will be in place.    

  Information event at Darrington Golf Club 

  To help nearby residents get more information about this work, National Highways is holding a drop-in information day at Darrington Golf Club on Saturday 11 February  10am – 1pm. This is an opportunity for people to meet the team behind the programme and express any concerns they have about the work, or to find out more about what is taking place.    

• 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.

  To complete this safely. we will need a mixture of lane closures and full closures overnight between 8pm-6am, Monday to Friday.

  • Southbound – Full closure
  • Northbound – Full closures and mix of lane closures

  We have contacted residents living directly off the A1 southbound with an outline of our plans so they can talk to us about maintaining access to their properties.  

  We have liaised with the local council and updated parish and ward Councillors about our intention to carry out this work. 

  When we have confirmed a programme for our work, we will be able to update more customers with further details, includes information about closures and diversions. 

  For detailed background information about this work, please see our previous updates.  

• 13 January 2023

  Essential maintenance planned for 2023

  We’ll soon be carrying out substantial maintenance work on the Grade ll listed A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and on nearby Wentedge Road Bridge located near Wentbridge village, West Yorkshire.

  

  Following a regular inspection and reactive repairs, we need to carry out a detailed structural inspection of the viaduct at Wentbridge. At the same time, we plan to replace the waterproofing layer, road surface, road markings and studs on the carriageway in both directions.

  We also aim to complete major repairs to Wentedge Road Bridge which include replacing the central pier, waterproofing, surfacing and parapet replacement, utilising the same road closure.

  We need to do this work now to prevent further maintenance issues with the structures, reducing the need for reactive repairs in the future. Carrying out this work at the same time also means less disruption for customers in the longer term.

  We plan to start the main work in April and aim to finish in around six months.

  Our design team and engineers have spent some time looking at how this work can be carried out with the least disruption to customers and residents. This is a real challenge due to the importance of this route and the impact of diversions, especially on local people and hauliers moving goods around the country.

  We’ll be getting in touch with local communities when we have finalised these plans.

  In the meantime, keep in touch as we update this page by signing up for A1 email updates using the Sign Up for Updates link on the right.

  (Photo - Alan Murray Rust via Creative Commons)