A1 Bridge Defects Found as Welding Issues Confirmed in Birtley to Coal House Upgrade

Gateshead: A new bridge on the A1 has some serious issues. The Allerdene Bridge, part of a big upgrade project, has defects due to welding problems. This bridge opened just a few months ago, in September 2023.

The contractor, Severfield, found these issues on 12 bridges across the country. While they say the bridge is safe for now, traffic restrictions are still in place. This means drivers are facing delays, especially around the bridge area.

National Highways first learned about the welding problems last August. They warned that if not fixed, these defects could shorten the bridge’s lifespan. For now, they’ve limited heavy vehicles and closed an extra lane until repairs are done.

There’s no timeline for when the repairs will be finished. A spokesperson assured that they’re working hard to fix the issues. They want to ensure everything is safe before reopening the bridge fully.

Severfield is also dealing with costs from these defects. They’ve already spent nearly £10 million on testing and repairs. They expect more costs as they continue to assess the situation.

Local resident Craig Robson is feeling the impact. He lives near the A1 and says the traffic is a nightmare. He’s frustrated with the ongoing delays and wants to know when things will get back to normal.

He mentioned that the two-lane restrictions are causing backups. It feels like the roadworks are never-ending, and he’s not alone in his concerns. Other infrastructure in the area is also facing issues, adding to the worries of local residents.

The situation is a reminder of the importance of maintaining our roads and bridges. Everyone hopes for a quick resolution so that traffic can flow smoothly again.