Gateshead Sinkhole - Major traffic problems expected on A1
Massive hole opened up on A1 Northbound carriageway
The A1 northbound towards the Metrocentre near Gateshead is closed between junctions J67 (near Lamesley) and J68 (near Lobley Hill) as urgent work continues to repair a hole found under the northbound carriageway.
Work took place overnight (Sunday) on the southbound A1 carriageway from J68 - J67, in order to establish a contra-flow this (Monday) morning which will enable a lane to be open in each direction.
Work to fully restore the carriageway is expected to be ongoing during Monday and Tuesday.
During the Monday morning peak tomorrow customers may encounter long delays and therefore customers travelling to a destination north of Gateshead or Newcastle may wish to consider using the A19 as an alternative northbound strategic route. Similarly, southbound traffic from Northumberland may wish to consider the A19 southbound as a strategic diversion should delays emerge.
To relieve pressure on the A1 you'll be able to travel toll-free through the Tyne Tunnels from 06:00 Monday 27th June until repair works have concluded, which is currently expected to be 06:00 on Wednesday 29th June.
This toll-free period is a result of collaboration between the Tyne Tunnels operator TT2 Limited, the North East Combined Authority, and Highways England. TT2 have confirmed that travel is free for all customers during this period.
Rob Beckitt, duty operations manager at Highways England said:
“Safety is our top priority; we have to ensure the carriageway is totally safe before drivers use it.
We and our contractors have been working hard with partners since the hole was discovered last night, and will continue to do so to make the carriageway safe as quickly as possible. In the meantime I urge all drivers in the area to check conditions before they set out and to leave plenty of extra time for their journeys. I would also like to thank drivers in advance for their patience as we carry out this complex task.”