HIGHWAYS England has apologised after wrongly stating that the A1 between Leeming and Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire will be closed from this Friday until Monday. 

A 300 tonne crane is being moved in to demolish a temporary bridge, as part of the development of the motorway.

Originally, the Highways Agency had said the road would be closed until 6am on Monday morning,

But today, they issued a clarification.

Highways England now say the road has to be closed in both directions from 8pm on Friday, October 13 to 6am on Sunday, October 15 so the bridge can be safely demolished.

They're advising motorists to make provision and say diversions will be in place, adding around 30 minutes to journey times. The temporary bridge was put in place in 2015 to make space for a new crossing, providing an east to west link, connecting Catterick Garrison, Catterick and Brompton on Swale.

Highways England project manager Tom Howard said: "This is a significant milestone and follows the opening of the southern section last month. We need to close the road for safety reasons and we are advising people to plan their journeys, using the many alternative routes signposted.

"When the whole project is complete, the section of the A1 between Leeming and Barton will be upgraded to a three-lane motorway, tackling congestion and improving journey times."

The bridge will open to pedestrians, from Monday and to traffic next month, the whole motorway, which was delayed by six months is due to open in the winter.