Parts of the A1 will be closed on Saturday (September 23) evening - which could lead to delays and drivers having to take diversions. 

Highways North East has announced that the A1 will be closed between Junction 65, Birtley and Junction 66 Eighton Lodge northbound, and Junction 69, Teams to Junction 65 Birtley southbound.

This is to allow the installation of a sign gantry across the A1 as part of the widening scheme.

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The A1 will be closed north and southbound from 8pm until 6am the following morning, allowing the safe installation of the new sign gantry.

Helen Burrow, National Highways project manager, said: "Work is advancing well on the scheme and the closure to install the gantry across the A1 highlights the progress on the scheme.

"We need to close the A1 overnight to install the gantry, as we will be using cranes to lift the gantry into place and this can only be done under a full closure. We'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience.”

Once installed, the gantry will be over the full width of the A1 and new signage will be installed in the coming months. Future closures will be required to install additional gantries and the new North Dene footbridge, as the scheme progresses.