Friday 16:01
Bridge strengthening work on the A1(M) at Junction 58 (A68 Burtree interchange) reaches an important milestone this weekend as work on the north side bridge is completed and work to replace the south side bridge supports starts.
This will result in a change in traffic flow over the interchange and drivers are being asked to approach this section of the A68 and A1(M) with extra caution. Work to allow the switch of traffic will start around 8pm on Sunday 17 August and the new road layout will be ready for use around 6am on Monday 18 August.
Steve Bishop, project manager for the Highways Agency, said:
"The new arrangements on the interchange will be in place until October when the work on the interchange bridges is due to be completed and the interchange will be fully open again.
"We ask drivers to obey any signs, especially those changing the direction of the traffic flow."
Traffic from Darlington travelling north on the A1(M), or northbound on the A1(M) travelling to Darlington, will be diverted along the A68 to Swan House roundabout and then back along the A68 to the north side bridge.
Traffic southbound on the A1(M) wanting to go west on the A68 will be diverted to the Faverdale Roundabout and then back over the north side bridge on the A68.
All current restrictions on the A1(M) will remain in place until the full scheme is completed next year.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real -time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available:
* From our new Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".
* On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).
Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.
For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)
Safety at roadworks
The Highways Agency is working with the industry and road users to reduce the risks of working on the roads. For the safety of roadworkers and all road users, when you are approaching roadworks:
* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. * Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by COI News and PR North East
Client ref NE/323/08
COI ref 164658P
