Safer and more reliable journeys are ahead for drivers on the A1M in Darlington as essential safety work and maintenance are carried out from next week.

National Highways is replacing the safety barrier and carrying out bridge maintenance and localised resurfacing on both carriageways of the A1M between junction 56 (Barton) and junction 58 (Burtree) from this Monday (6 February).

National Highways Project Manager Ted Chamberlain said:

“The safety barrier along this section has come to the end of its serviceable life and needs to be replaced to ensure that road users are kept safe in the unlikely event of an accident.

“We are also going to carry out maintenance to the bridges on this section which involves replacing the joints, waterproofing the decks and maintenance on the barrier.

“We are mindful that this work may cause some delay and disruption. We’ve worked to minimise the impact on customers as much as we can. However, where possible, customers should plan for minor delays.”

Most of the work will be carried out during overnight closures with lane closures in place during the day and a temporary 50mph speed limit in force, which will be enforced by safety cameras, to protect road users and workers. During the overnight closures local diversions will be in place.

The work, which is due to last until summer, cannot be carried out in adverse weather conditions.

Updates will be shared on the National Highways website and on the regional Twitter feed, @HighwaysNEast. More information will be shared on the regional Facebook page, National Highways North-East

Members of the public can also get further information by calling National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or emailing info@nationalhighways.co.uk.