A new bridge built as part of a project to widen a section of the A1 near Gateshead has been found to have a number of defects.
The Allerdene Bridge was replaced by a new structure that opened in September 2023 under the A1 upgrade scheme, reports the BBC. However, welding issues on the 3,400 tonne road bridge, which stretches across a section of the East Coast Main Line, were identified by steelwork contractor Severfield.
National Highways and the contractor said the deficiencies at the motorway bridge did not pose an “immediate safety risk”.
Traffic restrictions, that were lifted elsewhere on that stretch of the A1 before Christmas, have remained in force around the bridge because of the issue, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
National Highways confirmed it was first made aware of a potential problem with the welding quality of steel beams on the bridge in August and that the defects could reduce the structure’s 120-year lifespan if left unchecked.
It said that it had restrictions on vehicles with abnormal loads using the bridge and that the new, extra lane of traffic built in each direction will remain closed over the bridge, for approximately one mile, until the welding problem is resolved.
The company also said the bridge would open to full capacity when it was safe.
Pic: National Highways
