A new road layout has been announced for a major road in the North East - and comes into effect tomorrow morning (Thursday, October 5). 

All northbound traffic on the A1 is to be moved onto the newly constructed Allerdene Bridge between Birtley and Coal House. 

The National Highways project began road works to optimise traffic flow and enhance connectivity on the A1 between Birtley and Coal House.

Before the project, worries were mounting about the strain that would be put on the already busy road by nearby housing developments.

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The Northern Echo: The A1 is undergoing intensive roadworks.

In addition to the new bridge, which became accessible early last month, both sides of the road will be widened.

In a strategic move aimed at optimising traffic flow and enhancing connectivity, a crucial milestone has been achieved at junction 67 at Coal House.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "From Thursday, 5 October 6am, ALL northbound traffic will be moved to the new Allerdene Bridge!

"For Team Valley, the slip road to exit at junction 67 is unaffected.

"Please take care driving though the roadworks."

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This move means that National Highways can continue construction and re-align the other lanes of the A1 onto the new Allerdene bridge. 

Once completed, the road works will help to reduce congestion by increasing capacity for road users, improve the reliability of peoples’ journeys, reduce delays by increasing capacity of the road network, and make journeys safer by improving the standard and capacity of the road.

It will also help support economic growth by improving the road to the Newcastle and Tyneside area (Team Valley Employment Zone) and support the government’s initiative for growth in the north.