Delays expected as major improvements to A1 Wentbridge Viaduct begin

A major programme of work on a landmark West Yorkshire viaduct will begin after the Easter Bank Holiday.

National Highways is carrying out waterproofing and resurfacing on the Wentbridge Viaduct, a Grade II listed bridge which carries the A1 over the River Went. The waterproofing under the road surface layer helps to protect the structure from corrosion and reduces the need for repairs in the future. Road marking and studs will also be replaced.

Following the completion of the viaduct work, engineers will start to replace the central pier at the nearby Wentedge Road Bridge along with the parapets, joints, and surfacing. The carriageway will be temporarily re-aligned before the start of the main works to enable the replacement of the pier while keeping two open lanes of traffic in both directions.

The Wentbridge viaduct work is expected to complete in Autumn 2023, with the Wentedge Road Bridge scheme earmarked for completion in early 2024.

Preparations for the improvements began in early February. National Highways has been installing narrow lanes and upgrading the crossover points between Barnsdale Bar and Ferrybridge. This is to prepare for the contraflow which will be in place during the main works, and enable the work to be carried out as safely as possible.

From Tuesday 11 April, there will be a series of overnight carriageway closures in place to set up the traffic management for the contraflow, and from Monday 17 April, traffic travelling in both directions will be in contraflow on the northbound carriageway.

Future phases will require traffic to run on the southbound carriageway, and then finally in single lanes in both directions. Details of these phases will be communicated as the scheme progresses.

National Highways Project Manager John Stebbing said, “These are essential works which will improve journeys on this important route and minimise disruption by reducing the number of works on this section of the A1 in the future. However, we do unfortunately expect some disruption while this is carried out. We also strongly advise people planning to travel in this area to plan their journeys in advance and allow more time to reach their destination.”

You can keep up to date on the scheme on the dedicated website for the Wentbridge Viaduct and Wentedge Road Bridge scheme.

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