Work has started on the construction of two bridges on the Trans-Pennine route between Newcastle and Carlisle.
Engineers are building two bridges on the A69 Bridge End roundabout near Hexham in Northumberland on the route that connects Newcastle and Carlisle.
The bridge abutments which will hold the two new structures are now being constructed, with main bridge work due to begin before the end of the year.
Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said: “We’re heading into an important new stage in the scheme. We will be using new methods which are safer for the workforce and which will also reduce the time it takes to build the bridges.
“We’ll construct each deck on the ground, starting with the beams, and then build up until it’s 95 per cent complete. Then we’ll use an industrial jack to lift it off the ground to a height where it can be lowered onto a self-propelled vehicle which will drive it into place next spring.”
Highways England has said the project has been designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, support economic growth and enhance access from the A69 into the town.
When the roundabout is open to traffic, temporary turnarounds will be removed. The junction and main A69 route will then be open traffic in March 2021 with finishing touches taking place on the slip road and landscaping work.
