Press release

Smoother journeys for A1 Western Bypass drivers

Smoother journeys are on the way for users of the northbound A1 around Gateshead with an £800,000 resurfacing project starting on Tuesday night (27 May).

Just over two miles of the northbound dual carriageway of the A1 Western Bypass, between its junctions at Lobley Hill (A194) and the A694 Derwenthaugh Road, are being resurfaced in the six week scheme which is due to be completed by Friday 4 July.

Highways Agency Project Sponsor Steve Bishop said,

The road surface here is at the end of its serviceable life and this work will provide safer, smoother journeys along one of our most heavily-used routes.

We have timed the work to ensure it takes place overnight when the A1 is relatively quiet. To further minimise disruption to road users the carriageway will only be closed between two junctions at a time - giving drivers only short diversions.

The work, which includes completely resurfacing the northbound dual carriageway and renewing road studs and road markings, is being delivered in four phases mainly between 8pm and 6am each night. Overnight working during the fourth phase, between the Metro Centre shopping complex and Derwenthaugh Road, will begin at 9.30pm at the earliest because of the location.

Details of the locations and diversion for each phase are as follows:

  • Phase 1 closure from the Lobley Hill Interchange to A184 Consett Route Interchange with a diversion in place along the B1426 and the A184 before rejoining the northbound A1 at Consett Route Interchange

  • Phase 2 work between the Consett Interchange and Dunston Interchange with a diversion in place along the A184, A1114, St Omers Road and Dunston Road before rejoining the A1 at Dunston Interchange

  • Phase 3 closure between Dunston Interchange and Metro Centre Interchange. The diversion will be along Park Terrace, Market Lane and Hollinside Road where traffic can rejoin the A1 at Metro Centre Interchange

  • Phase 4 closure from Metro Centre Interchange to Derwenthaugh Interchange with drivers being sent along Hollinside Road, Scotswood View and the A694 before rejoining the A1 northbound via Derwenthaugh Interchange

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer

Published 23 May 2014