Motorists along a major route have been warned they will face reduced speed limits next month as National Highways introduces a temporary 50mph limit to allow for essential bridge inspection work.
The restriction will apply in both directions between Junction 58 and Junction 59 on the A1(M) in County Durham, affecting areas near the Burtree Lane underbridge and Aycliffe Interchange.
The measure, confirmed through a formal traffic regulation order, is designed to protect both road users and maintenance staff during the inspections.
A spokesperson for National Highways explained that the temporary speed limits will enable "our teams to carry out vital inspection work safely while keeping disruption for drivers to a minimum".
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The inspections are part of scheduled maintenance on this key section of the A1(M), which serves as a major route through County Durham connecting Teesside and Tyneside with southern regions.
During the works, drivers have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys when the restrictions are in place and to ensure they follow the lower speed limits to avoid penalties.
The reduced speed limit will begin on Wednesday, December 3 and remain in force for two consecutive nights, from 8pm to 6am each night.
However, National Highways has noted that the work may continue beyond this period if further assessments are needed.
New 50mph limits will be in place while National Highways works on repairing the roads and bridge
| GETTY"We’ve scheduled the work overnight to limit the impact on daytime traffic," the spokesperson added.
"This approach allows us to complete important safety checks without significantly affecting commuters and hauliers who rely on the A1(M) every day."
In the northbound direction, the 50mph restriction will start around 400 metres beyond the Burtree Lane underbridge and extend for approximately 1.5km.
Southbound traffic will encounter the same speed limit beginning 260 metres past the Junction 59 entry slip road at Aycliffe Interchange, continuing for about 1.4km.
The southbound entry slip road itself will also be included in the temporary speed restriction.
These clearly defined sections highlight the scale of the inspection zone, encompassing key structures where the motorway intersects with local routes.
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The work will mainly take place between 8pm and 6am
| GETTYEngineers will use the time to carry out detailed checks on the bridge structures and surrounding infrastructure to identify any future maintenance requirements.
Temporary signage will be positioned well in advance to warn drivers of the restrictions.
Standard traffic management measures will be in place to guide motorists safely through the area, with traffic officers and contractors monitoring flow throughout the overnight works.
The temporary limit will not apply to emergency service vehicles or military transport, ensuring essential response services remain unaffected.
The spokesperson explained: "We work closely with emergency services to ensure they can continue responding to incidents without delay.
"Public safety and quick emergency access are key considerations whenever we plan work of this nature."
The speed limit will be slashed to 50mph while road works get underway
| GETTYThe traffic regulation order takes effect from December 2, one day before the inspections begin, and will remain valid for up to 18 months.
This extended timeframe allows National Highways flexibility to carry out any follow-up inspections or maintenance if required.
Motorists are reminded to drive carefully, follow all posted signs, and respect the temporary speed limits for the safety of both workers and other drivers.
"We’d like to thank road users in advance for their patience and cooperation," said Richard Foxton, from National Highways’ Leeds office, which issued the formal order.
"Routine inspections like these are essential to keeping our bridges and roads safe for everyone who depends on them."