A RETIRED road builder found on the site of the ongoing A1 improvements has learnt how the current generation construct motorways.

Former materials engineer John Parkinson, from Northallerton, was spotted by traffic officers taking photographs of the Leeming to Barton upgrade work earlier this month.

Officers discovered that the 76-year-old was part of the team which built the Darlington bypass, just north of the current upgrade, which was completed in 1963.

After taking him off the construction site for his own safety, officers took his details and asked him if he would like the chance to inspect the scheme officially.

Mr Parkinson, who described himself as one of the “last remnants of the old brigade” of road construction in England, was thrilled to be invited back for a closer look.

He has maintained a keen interest in road construction and has a huge archive of pictures recording the first days of the motorway in the North-East.

He said: “The opening of the first Darlington Bypass was quite an event and everyone’s family came to the opening, with women and children mixing in with the crowds.”

The visit highlighted some of the changes in road building over the last 50 years – including today's focus on health and safety.

“In those days we used to work at night wearing black donkey jackets – moving around alongside huge earth moving machines – inconceivable now of course, but it did mean that you developed eyes in the back of your head.

“It is wonderful to see how things are shaping up and to observe the modern approaches to project management. The most important thing now, as it was then, is to finish a job that lasts and will be part of a legacy, changing the landscape for the better.”

Swapping stories with Tom Howard, project manager for the A1 upgrade, Mr Parkinson said in the 1960s the public was very supportive of road building.

“There is much more consideration of the public these days than during my time on the roads.

"Of course back then there was a huge enthusiasm for roads – it was a different atmosphere and time altogether – much easier. If we wanted to go through someone’s vegetable plot we were told we could."

Mr Howard said he had enjoyed the opportunity to speak to Mr Parkinson about his experiences as an engineer in the 60s.

“It was wonderful to be able to invite him onto the site and show him the technology now in place for major schemes such as this and discuss the differences in engineering challenges between then and now.”

Once completed, the A1 Leeming to Barton scheme will create a continuous motorway-standard route between London and Newcastle, improving journey times and increasing safety.

The scheme is due to be completed in 2017.