Tuesday 10:20
Work is set to resume on the Seven Mile House Bridge over the A1 near Seaton Burn in the week commencing 30 July with some preparatory work on the A1 during the previous week. The work should be completed by Christmas.
Andrew Jennings of the Highways Agency said:
"We have worked hard to find a solution which would minimise further disruption to the travelling public and we are now preparing to resume the work which will involve raising the height of the new bridge beams at the supports."
"We appreciate that local people and road users have been frustrated by the delays to the work and we apologise to them for the inconvenience caused. However, construction of the new bridge deck will now be progressed as quickly and safely as possible."
The work does not require any additional total closures of the A1, although there will be occasional lane and carriageway closures. The 50mph speed limit will remain in place to ensure the safety of road users and workers on site. The road over the bridge, the C368, will remain closed until the project is completed.
Ends
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. A-one Integrated Highway Services is a joint venture between Halcrow and Colas. They have been appointed by the Highways Agency to operate, maintain and improve the trunk road network in the North East of England.
3. The costs associated with the additional work required on Seven Mile House Bridge will not fall on the public purse.
4. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available:
* From the web 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).
5. 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.
6. 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)
Safe driving at roadworks
During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, 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 Kate Read, Government News Network North East
Client ref HA/265/07
