A set of major upgrades including bridge repairs, resurfacing and lighting improvements is to begin on an important junction on the A1(M) in County Durham. 

The programme of repairs is due to get under way on the junction 59 roundabout (Coatham) from 2 April.  

National Highways is now advising motorists to plan their journeys in advance as a full closure will be implemented on the southern side of the roundabout, which will be closed from 6am on 5 April for around 10 weeks, until the bridge deck improvements are completed. 

Additionally, narrow lanes will be installed on the A1 northbound beneath the structure with a 50mph speed limit in place for safety. 

National Highways Programme Delivery Manager Stuart Allanson said: 

“The forthcoming work at junction 59 reflects our commitment to maintaining safety and improving infrastructure across the North East. We understand the importance of this junction to the community and aim to complete this work as quickly as possible. 

“To make sure the junction remains safe and to minimise longer-term disruption, we are carrying out significant repairs to the bridge. Once this has been carried out, we can also reopen both lanes.  

“Additionally, the upgrade in lighting and resurfacing will further improve safety and create much smoother journeys, benefiting all road users.” 

The work will be carried out in three phases:

  • Phase 1 – Bridge deck repairs. These are scheduled to take place between 2 April and July this year.
  • Phase 2 – Lighting renewal: Expected to take place from mid-May to mid-August 2024.
  • Phase 3 – Resurfacing of the junction. This is expected to be carried out in July.

To protect drivers and the workforce, further daytime and overnight closures are expected during the programme, along with a full weekend closure in July. Dates of these will be shared as soon as they are available. The entire programme is expected to be complete by late summer.

During the closures, drivers are advised to follow the signed diversions, and not rely on their satnavs.

Motorway traffic

For vehicles and drivers who are authorised to use the motorway, the diversion will take road users south on the A1(M) to junction 58, Burtree, before returning northbound on the A1(M) to junction 59 to continue north or to rejoin the A167.

Non-motorway traffic will be diverted via the A68, joining the A6072 before using B6444 to rejoin the A167.  Maps are available on the scheme web page.

Stuart added:

“We really appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation, and we remain committed to safe and reliable road networks for all.”

Dates and times of the works are subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Updates will be shared through the @HighwaysNEAST X (Twitter) feed, the National Highways: North-East Facebook page and the National Highways: Yorkshire and North East website.

National Highways provides live traffic information via www.trafficengland.com, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps.

Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the National Highways information line on 0300 123 5000 to keep up to date with road conditions.