WORK to replace the bridge joints on a major North-East road is moving into the next phase.

Highways England is carrying out repairs to the Blaydon Haugh Viaduct on the A1 in Gateshead.

The work is on both sides of the carriageway between Derwenthaugh, junction 73, and Scotswood junction 74.

Over the last few weeks work has been taking place on the southbound carriageway and temporary road plates have been in place to allow traffic to run over the bridge during the day.

This weekend, the A1 southbound will be closed from 8pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday to allow the temporary road plates to be removed.

The road will be fully reopened to traffic following completion of the joint replacement.

Work will then move to the northbound carriageway and will continue to be carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am and the existing temporary speed limit of 50mph will remain in place.

Highways England project manager Michael Hoult said: “It is essential that we carry out this maintenance work on the bridge joints at Blaydon Haugh Viaduct.

“We will be carrying out the work overnight when traffic levels are at their lowest to keep disruption for drivers to a minimum.

“The temporary road plates which have been installed over the expansion joint will be removed over the weekend and the speed limit will return to normal.”

Diversions will be in place during the closures.