A SECTION of the A1 in the North-East will be closed this weekend as part of a major project to upgrade the dual carriageway to a three lane motorway between Leeming and Barton in North Yorkshire.

Contractors for Highways England need to close the motorway for 18 hours to demolish Kneeton Hall Bridge, near Darlington.

The A1 will be fully closed in both directions between the Scotch Corner junction and junction 56 at Barton from 8pm on Saturday, November 28 until 2pm on Sunday, November 29.

Northbound traffic will leave the A1 at junction 50 to join the A19. Traffic travelling westbound via the A66 will be able to continue to Scotch Corner but there will be no northbound access beyond the Scotch Corner junction.

Highways England assistant project manager Charlotte Wright said: “We do not take the decision to close any major routes lightly but in order to carry out this work safely it is essential we close these sections of the A1.

“There will inevitably be delays at peak times and people should plan their journeys, using the many alternative routes that will be signposted off the A1 closure, and leave extra time to complete their journeys.”

During the closure, clearly signed diversions will be in place and drivers are being advised to allow an extra 30 minutes for their journeys and check the latest traffic conditions before they set off.

When completed, the A1 Leeming to Barton scheme will create a continuous motorway-standard route between London and Newcastle (including the M1 and A1M). It will also improve journey times and increase safety.