Drivers are set to see the A1 at Wentbridge return to 70mph for the first time in around two years after major repair works near completion.
National Highways revealed that all traffic management on the stretch over the Grade II-listed Wentbridge Viaduct in West Yorkshire will be removed on Sunday, December 7.
The road has been stuck with narrowed lanes and a temporary 50mph limit on the northbound side since early 2023, with drivers forced to travel at lower speeds.
From next week, that restriction will be removed, following a series of overnight closures that began on Monday (November 24) between 8pm and 6am.
From Monday, December 1, drivers will also see nightly closures on the southbound side, so the remaining lane closures and the 50mph limit can be taken away. Crews will use the closures to finish resurfacing and routine maintenance, such as drainage work.
National Highways explained that while the return to normal speeds is a big step forward, some further overnight lane closures may still be needed early next year for final adjustments.
Programme delivery manager John Stebbing said: “We know people will be glad this complex job – covering both the viaduct and a nearby local road bridge – has been completed ahead of Christmas and New Year.”
He thanked drivers and residents for “their patience and support” since work began in 2023.
The bridge was opened in 1961 and has required serious repair work due to its age
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Repairs to the viaduct, which carries the A1 over the River Went, started in February 2023, with waterproofing and resurfacing carried out alongside major work on the nearby Wentedge Road bridge.
This included replacing central support and improving the embankments, with the agency explaining that by doing both at once, traffic disruption could be combined rather than repeated later on.
The Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road bridge were both built in 1961 as part of a project to reroute the A1 around Wentbridge village.
At 100ft high and 470ft long, the viaduct was the largest pre-stressed concrete bridge in Europe when it opened, with it later gaining listed status in 1998.
The bridge repair works saw the road operate with 50mph speed limit
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Mr Stebbing said the viaduct’s listed status added extra challenges to the repair job and contributed to the longer timetable.
He added: “The viaduct’s listed status brought its own challenges. And while delivering the overhaul of the Wentedge Road bridge at the same time has meant added value and reduced inconvenience for road users and residents in the future, it did mean the project has taken longer than originally anticipated.
“Once again we’d like to thank drivers and local residents for their patience and support over the last nearly three years.”
The bridge repairs have been ongoing for the past two years
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYSWentbridge village sits immediately west of the bridge with Brockerdale Nature Reserve to the east.
Wentbridge viaduct was also chosen to feature in the Twentieth Century Engineering Exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
National Highways shared: “We’re making several essential repairs and improvements for safer and smoother journeys for customers.
“This work will extend the life of each bridge and reduce the number of reactive repairs and unplanned road closures on this route.”