A1 Birtley to Coal House

Latest updates

• 26 January 2024

  Lane closure - Junction 67 southbound slip road

  UPDATE: due to the heavy rainfall on Monday night the team weren't able to install the lane closure. 

  This has resulted in the lane closure going in from Tuesday 30, and will be in operation from tomorrow morning.  

  From Monday 29 January, we will be closing lane 1 of the southbound exit slip, at junction 67, Coal House; heading towards Team Valley and the surrounding area.

  The lane closure will start on the A1 southbound between junction 68, Lobley Hill and junction 67, Coal House.

  The slip road will remain open during the day, although only 1 lane will be open. 

  This phase is expected to last around 8 weeks and we will continue to work in the area once this phase of work is completed.

  Delays are expected at peak times as people get used to the temporary layout and we ask people to plan ahead. 

  What are we doing on the exit slip road?

  We are widening the exit slip road and need to carry out significant earthwork to install new drainage and the new lane. 

  Why do we need to close it 24hrs a day?

  To maintain safety and complete the work as quickly as possible, the current lane 1 on the slip road will be closed 24/7.

  Access to Lady Park, Lamesley, Team Valley, and Chowdene Bank will remain open during this lane closure.

  

• 10 December 2023

  Junction 67 southbound slip road

  We successfully completed the realignment of the southbound on slip road from junction 67 ahead of the planned date. 

  We would like to thank everyone for the patience and support during the closure. 

  

• 24 November 2023

  Junction 67 southbound slip road closure - update

  We are currently 2 weeks into the 4-week long closure to the A1 junction 67 southbound entry slip road. We are working hard to complete this work on time.

  Currently we are breaking out the old slip road and transporting the material to our concrete recycling area. This allows all old materials to be processed and reused on the scheme, minimising waste.

  We are removing the existing concrete barriers and traffic signage as these are no longer required. We are continuing to build up the ground level, allowing the new slip road to align to the new Allerdene bridge and installing drainage.

  Access to Lady Park, Lamesley, Team Valley, and Chowdene Bank will remain open during this closure.

  During this period, we advise drivers to follow diversion signs:

  For southbound A1 travel, use junction 68, Lobley Hill.

  For northbound A1 travel, use junction 67, Coal House, with a dedicated lane for a safe merge.

   

  

  

  Why do we need to close it 24hrs a day?

  Work is progressing well on the project, and we will soon be moving all lanes onto the new Allerdene bridge.

  To do this, we need to realign the slip road and construct a new road that will eventually go over the existing A1 southbound. To maintain safety and complete the work as quickly as possible, the current slip road will be closed 24/7 for around 4 weeks.

  We have already made good progress on the slip road and we will continue with the initial work until the closure.

  During the closure we will also be moving the A1 southbound onto the new Allerdene bridge.

  Diversion Routes:

  Please note that diversion routes for all A1 closures have been agreed with Gateshead Council and will be in place during the work.

  Going south on the A1 - please use junction 68 Lobley Hill

   

  Heading north on the A1 – please use junction 67 Coal House
  The slip road heading north is a dedicated lane onto the A1 and there will be less traffic using the Kingsway roundabout at junction 67.

   

  Signs will be throughout Team Valley and the surrounding area advising which way is the best to go.

  Please do not come off junction 67 to then try and go straight back on the southbound as it will be closed.

  Chowdene Bank, has a weight restriction and is access only for local traffic.

• 26 October 2023

  Junction 67 southbound slip road closure

  Starting Sunday 12 November, we will be fully closing the southbound entry slip road at junction 67, Coal House, heading on to the A1 southbound. This closure is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks.

  Why do we need to close it 24hrs a day?

  Work is progressing well on the project, and we will soon be moving all lanes onto the new Allerdene bridge.

  To do this, we need to realign the slip road and construct a new road that will eventually go over the existing A1 southbound. To maintain safety and complete the work as quickly as possible, the current slip road will be closed 24/7 for around 4 weeks.

  We have already made good progress on the slip road and we will continue with the initial work until the closure.

  During the closure we will also be moving the A1 southbound onto the new Allerdene bridge.

  Diversion Routes:

  Please note that diversion routes for all A1 closures have been agreed with Gateshead Council and will be in place during the work.

  Going south on the A1 - please use junction 68 Lobley Hill

   

  Heading north on the A1 – please use junction 67 Coal House
  The slip road heading north is a dedicated lane onto the A1 and there will be less traffic using the Kingsway roundabout at junction 67.

   

  Signs will be throughout Team Valley and the surrounding area advising which way is the best to go.

  Please do not come off junction 67 to then try and go straight back on the southbound as it will be closed.

  Chowdene Bank, has a weight restriction and is access only for local traffic.

• 20 September 2023

  Junction 65 super gantry installation

  This weekend, on Friday (22) and Saturday (23) nights the A1 will be closed between junction 65, Birtley and junction 66 Eighton Lodge northbound, and junction 69, Teams to junction 65 Birtley southbound.

  This is to allow the installation of a sign gantry across the A1 as part of the widening scheme.

  The A1 will be closed north and southbound from 8pm until 6am the following morning, allowing the safe installation of the new sign gantry.

  Helen Burrow, National Highways project manager said, "Work is advancing well on the scheme and the closure to install the gantry across the A1 highlights the progress on the scheme.

  We need to close the A1 overnight to install the gantry, as we will be using cranes to lift the gantry into place and this can only be done under a full closure. We'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience.”

  Once installed, the gantry will be over the full width of the A1 and new signage will be installed in the coming months. Future closures will be required to install additional gantries and the new North Dene footbridge, as the scheme progresses.

  

• 25 August 2023

  Update on Junction 67 Northbound exit slip road and Bowes incline

  A major milestone has been reached in the A1 Birtley to Coal House project as traffic is due to begin using the newly constructed Allerdene bridge.

  In a strategic move aimed at optimising traffic flow and enhancing connectivity, a crucial milestone has been achieved at junction 67 at Coal House.

  Traffic heading northbound exiting the A1 at junction 67 will, from Friday 1 September 2023, start using the new Allerdene bridge.

  By moving the northbound exit slip road National Highways can continue construction and re-align the other lanes of the A1 on to the new Allerdene bridge.

  Over the coming months road users will see other lanes gradually moved on to the Allerdene Bridge.

  

  In addition, the southbound carriageway of the Bowes Incline on the A1 has seen a change with traffic now making use of some of the new lanes.

  This secondary milestone promises reduced congestion, improved traffic management and heightened road safety measures.

  
  This shift enables National Highways to switch work on the central reservation and continue preparations ahead of the installation of the anticipated North Dene footbridge in the coming months.

  Helen Burrow, National Highways Project Manager, said:
  "We are thrilled to see traffic smoothly transition to the new bridge and lanes. These accomplishments are a testament to the remarkable progress achieved in the project.
  “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers for their enduring patience during this transformative upgrade."

• 07 August 2023

  Update on Junction 66 Eighton Lodge

  The southern under bridge to be closed Friday 11 to Monday 14 August to all traffic, to allow removal of a beam from the bridge.

  A 58-hour period of continuous work is set to take place as a beam is removed from a bridge on the A1 as part of the Birtley to Coal House improvement scheme.

  This means traffic wanting to access the A167 towards Birtley or the A1 northbound from the A167 southbound, Low Fell or the B1296 Long Bank will be diverted.

  The local diversion will take vehicles on the A1 southbound carriageway to junction 65 before returning on the A1 northbound to J66, connecting back on to the A167 or A1 northbound.

  The removal of the beam will allow the extension of the bridge for the new lanes in the coming months.

  This work involves the removal of the edge beam, which will require the use of a saw and breaking of concrete in the process. To ensure the safety of both the workforce and road users, the section of road on the south side of the junction 66 roundabout will be temporarily closed during the work.

  It is essential to note that the timeframe for the work is subject to potential changes due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions.

  While some level of disturbance is inevitable due to the nature of the activities, we assure you that our team will make every effort to mitigate any disturbance. The noisiest work will take place during the day to minimise disruption to local residents.

  We’d like to extend our thanks to residents and motorists for their understanding and cooperation during these essential works.

• 12 May 2023

  Update on progress and Spring newsletter

  Junction 65 Birtley

  The work to extend Longbank underpass has been completed and it has now been reopened.

  North Dene footbridge was successfully removed during a Saturday night full road closure in the autumn.

  We’ve also completed treatment of the old coal mines beneath the road and we have started to install the foundations and construct the supports for the new North Dene footbridge.

  We have continued to widen the carriageway and we have started the installation of the new drainage systems both northbound and southbound.

  Over the next 6 months, we’ll continue installing drainage and will start to install the ducting for the lighting and other cables.

  We will also start laying kerbs and surfacing of the carriageway, following this we will be returning to the central reservation to install the new concrete safety barrier.

  Junction 66 Eighton Lodge

  We have been continuing to work at all three of the Eighton Lodge bridges using a variety of ground stabilisation techniques to allow us to dig down to the foundation level. We are now also working on a number of the concrete supports for these structures.

  We are aiming to install the new beams for the new lanes later this year.

  Work is also continuing north of the junction with drainage and ducting installation and continued widening.

  Junction 67 Coal House

  The foundations and concrete work for the widening of Kingsway are almost complete and the bridge beams are now in place for the new lanes. Work offsite is ongoing and we will be installing the new bridge deck soon.

  Work has also started on the retaining walls on the northbound entry and exit slip roads, with approximately 75% of the sheet piles installed. Retaining walls prevent earth from slipping on to the road.

  The ground work is now complete for the new Allerdene embankments, with over 6500 piles installed, which will provide support for the new approaches to the new bridge we are building.

  The reinforced concrete work on the bridge supports is nearly finished and the installation of the new bridge beams is also complete. We will be starting the new sections of road to join to the new bridge later in the year.

  A newsletter has just been published on this webpage in the documents area. If you could like a printed copy, please contact us at a1birtleytocoalhouse@nationalhighways.co.uk

• 14 November 2022

  Minister visits Allerdene compound

  Roads Minister, Richard Holden, visited our Allerdene compound last week (10 November) to see for himself how work is progressing. He was shown around the site by Helen Burrow, National Highways project manager and Sarah Boyne, construction manager for Costain. 

   

  

• 04 October 2022

  Northdene footbridge successfully removed

  The 47-metre-long, 100 tonne North Dene Bridge between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 66 (Eighton Lodge) was taken down just over a week ago to allow for the construction of additional lanes.

  Two cranes, one weighing 200 tonnes, the other 95 tonnes, completed the removal at night before taking the structure away for recycling.
  
  The blue North Dene footbridge was removed to make way for extra lanes.

  You can watch time-lapse footage showing it being removed.

  A new, longer, bridge will be installed next summer once the additional lanes have been added to the carriageway.

  Until then pedestrians are able to use the newly-refurbished Longbank underpass further west towards junction 66.    

  The existing Allerdene railway bridge, which carries the A1 over the East Coast Main Line, will be replaced and the bridges at junctions 66 and 67 widened to accommodate the additional lanes.     

• 21 September 2022

  A1 Bowes Incline overnight closure, Saturday 24 September.

  The North Dene Bridge between junctions 65 (Birtley) and 66 (Eighton Lodge) is to removed to allow construction of the new lanes. 

  To do this safely we need to close the A1 in both directions between junctions 65 and 66. It is hoped the bridge will be removed in one night, from 8pm on Saturday 24 September to 6am the following morning.

  The A1 northbound will be closed from junction 65 (Birtley) to junction 66 (Eighton Lodge) with traffic diverted off the A1 at junction 65 along the A194(M) and the A184 around Gateshead to rejoin the A1 at junction 69 (Gateshead Quays). 

  Any traffic intending to join the A1 at junctions 66, 67 or 68 to head north will be able to do so. 

  The southbound carriageway will be closed from junction 69 (Gateshead Quays) to junction 65 (Birtley). Through traffic will be diverted via the A184 and A194(M).  

  Anyone wanting to join the A1 southbound at junctions 68, 67 or 66 will be diverted onto the northbound carriageway to Junction 69 where they will be able to pick up the diversion route.

  The diversion will add an additional 10-15 minutes of journey time.

  Local diversions together with diversions for non-motorway traffic will be clearly signed.

  Pedestrians will be able to use the Longbank Underpass until a replacement bridge is installed next summer. 

  A 95-tonne crane will be set up on the northbound carriageway while a larger, 200-tonne crane will operate on the southbound.   

  The cranes need space to safely lift the bridge on to trailers in sections to be taken away for recycling. 

  The operation is weather dependant and cannot be carried out in high winds. If its removal cannot be completed that night, the A1 will also be closed from 8pm on Sunday 25 September to 6am the next morning

  We’d like to thank road users for their patience while we close the road, and also pedestrians who will be without a bridge while we carry out this vital scheme, which will reduce congestion, improve safety and boost the regional economy.

  

• 12 September 2022

  Junction 67 Coal House roundabout phase 2

  Essential work needs to be carried out on the roundabout at junction 67 (Coal House) near Team Valley Gateshead from Tuesday 20 September for approximately 3 weeks.

  This is the second phase of the hydro-demolition on the north eastern side of the roundabout. As with the first phase, we need to install scaffolding beneath the Kingsway bridge which will then allow engineers to carry out the work safely.  

  Signed diversions will be in place for the duration of the closure and we ask that people allow extra time for their journey.

  Traffic from the A1 northbound wanting to leave at junction 67, travelling from Lamesley, Kibblesworth or Lady Park will not be able to access Team Valley, the A1 south or Chowdene Bank towards Sainsburys. A signed diversion will take vehicles to junction 68 and loop back to junction 67.

  Any traffic leaving the A1 southbound at junction 67, Kingsway South or Chowdene Bank can still access the A1 southbound and northbound, Lamesley, Kibblesworth and Lady Park

  Local residents are advised that the method being used means some disturbance is unavoidable, but National Highways will make every effort to minimise noise and levels will be monitored regularly throughout. In addition, site workers are briefed on working responsibly in the local community.

   

• 19 August 2022

  Summer newsletter

  For the latest information on the scheme, download and read the latest newsletter from the documents below.

• 01 August 2022

  A1 junction 67 Coal House roundabout works

  The first phase of the essential work on the roundabout at junction 67 (Coal House) near Gateshead is now complete.

  The roundabout has re-opened and access to the A1 north, Lady Park and Lamesley has been restored.

  A second closure is needed on the other side of the roundabout.

  We will confirm the date of the closure and provide more details in the coming weeks.

  We would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support while we improve the A1.

   

  

   

• 11 March 2022

  Want to find out more about the A1 Birtley to Coal House scheme?

  Monday 14 March 2022
  B&Q, Armstrong Industrial Estate,
  Washington NE37 1LH
  10am to 4pm

  Thursday 17 March 2022
  Ravensworth Golf Club, Angel View,
  Long Bank, Gateshead NE9 7HD
  4pm to 8pm

  Saturday 19 March 2022
  Sainsbury’s Eleventh Avenue,
  Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0JY
  10am to 4pm

  Tuesday 22 March 2022
  Birtley Community Hub, Harraton Terrace, 16
  Durham Rd, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 2QG
  9.30am to 12pm

  Also at: Kibblesworth Millennium Centre,
  Grange Terrace, Gateshead NE11 0XN
  1pm to 4pm

  

• 31 January 2022

  Northbound overnight closures Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February

  We are making changes to the road layout through the A1 Birtley to Coal House upgrade this weekend. 

  We had intended to make this traffic switch last week but postponed until local authority work on the A186 was completed.

  We'll be moving northbound traffic over towards the central reservation to enable engineers to start construction of the new lane. 

  To allow us to do this safely the northbound carriageway between junctions 65 and 68 overnight will be closed (8pm to 6am) on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February.

  Following the change to road layout we urge drivers to take extra care while they get used to the new layout and remember to keep to the speed limit for their safety as well as that of our workforce.

  Clearly-signed diversions will be in place.  

• 01 December 2021

  Official start of main work ceremony marked by partners

  

  Celebrating the main construction of A1 Birtley to Coal House major project getting underway today (December 1) were (pictured from left to right): David Haimes (Major Projects Regional Investment Programme Director (North), National Highways), Tim Gamon (Regional Delivery Director, Yorkshire and North East, National Highways), Councillor Hazel Weatherley (Birtley Ward Councillor at Gateshead Council), Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Dot Burnett, Clare Richardson (Senior Conservation Officer, Gateshead Council), Nicola Wilkes (A1 Birtley to Coal House Project Manager, National Highways), Russ Furnival (Contract Lead, Costain Jacob Partnership) and Ian Walker (Programme Manager, National Highways).

  Representatives of National Highways, Gateshead Council and contractors Costain Jacobs partnership came together today to mark the next stage in this important road improvement scheme.

  Since May 2021 we have been making space for us to build the new lanes by installing narrower lanes and removing vegetation in the verges.

  We've also established some work compounds and have installed CCTV to help with recovering stranded and broken down vehicles.

  Today's event saw partners given a presentation and overview of construction milestones and an explanation of how and why we have needed to remove trees and relocate or protect wildlife.

  A series of public information events are planned for early 2022.

   

   

• 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. 

  You may have seen our billboards next to the A1 in Gateshead confirming that we’ve started working.

  Between May and July we are intending to:

  • Set up compounds to hold materials and equipment at Lamesley Road and Eighton Lodge
  • Put some barriers in the centre of Kingsway Roundabout so we can build a piling platform
  • Strengthening and hardening the central reservation at Kingsway and Eighton Lodge
  • Installing CCTV and speed enforcement cameras to help us clear breakdowns quickly and improve overall safety for drivers and road workers

   

  • We will establish narrower lanes from Junction 66 Eighton Lodge to Junction 67 Coal House to help us work to harden the central reserves on the 4 over bridges at the 2 junctions. This will give us additional space to accommodate the A1 whilst providing the required safe working areas for the bridge widening works which are due to start in July.

   

   

• 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.

• 27 October 2020

  Development Consent decision expected January 2021

  We’re expecting a final decision on the scheme by 21 January 2021. This decision is made by the Secretary of State for Transport who will say whether the scheme has permission to be constructed. Once a decision has been made, a letter and report will be published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

  You can read more about the process in our Development Consent Order (DCO) leaflet. You can also access all the information about the DCO on the Planning Inspectorate’s website free of charge, including:

  • The application form and other documents
  • Maps and plans
  • The environmental statement

   

  Contacting our team

  If you’d like to contact the team about this scheme, please email:

  A1BirtleytoCoalhouse@highwaysengland.co.uk

   

  We’re not currently able to collect post as we’re playing our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

• 28 August 2020

  DCO (Development Consent Order) Examination Closed – 21 July 2020

  We submitted the DCO to the Planning Inspectorate on 14 August 2019 and it was accepted for examination on 10 September 2019.

  The examination, a six-month process, started on 21 January 2020 and closed on 21 July 2020. The Planning Inspectorate now has three months to submit their recommendations to the Secretary of State for Transport. This will be no later than 21 October 2020. The Secretary of State then has three months to make a decision which will be no later than 21 January 2021.

  All documents relating to the DCO, including the application form and accompanying documents, maps and plans, and the Environmental Statement can still be viewed electronically and free of charge on the Planning Inspectorate's National Infrastructure website.

  As we react to the government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the project team are no longer able to receive postal enquires about the scheme.

  We ask that all enquiries are made via email to:

  A1BirtleytoCoalhouse@highwaysengland.co.uk