Work to introduce a permanent 50mph speed limit on the A1 Western Bypass between Gateshead and Newcastle has been announced by the Highways Agency.
Changes to the road between Birtley Interchange and Blaydon Viaduct, near the Metrocentre, begins on Monday and will take place in four phases.
The work is expected to be completed in late November when new speed restriction signs are displayed on the completion of each phase.
Highways Agency project manager, John Sheerin, said: "This work will have a positive effect on traffic travelling along the Gateshead and Newcastle Western Bypass.
"The accident rate for this part of the A1 is double the national average.
"By reducing the speed limit we expect to reduce the number of accidents, improve the flow of traffic and improve journey time reliability along this section of the A1."
Evidence shows that reducing the speed on the bypass will minimise the 'stop/start' situations currently experienced on the road, and will help to reduce the number of accidents and delays caused by them.
When the reduced speed limit is in place, the Highways Agency will begin work to increase the lanes on the A1 northbound carriageway beneath Dunston Road overbridge from two to three narrow lanes.
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