The project will include the introduction of new parallel link roads between the Lobley Hill and Gateshead Quay (A184) junctions and an increase in lane capacity on the A1 main line from two to three lanes in each direction from the Metro Centre to Coal House junction, a distance of 6.44kms.
The widening works will include the installation of reinforced earth and concrete walls and the Balfour Beatty patented King Sheet Piling System which will reduce the pile area and pile driving depth associated with traditional methods thereby reducing the overall construction programme. Alongside, extensive traffic management plans will allow the installation to be carried out during the day which will reduce noisy working during the night.
The existing merge and diverge arrangements will be reconfigured with the widened A1 carriageway requiring replacing and/or repositioning of fencing, road restraint systems, drainage, traffic signs, road markings, street lighting and technology structures. Landscaping and accommodation works on the trunk road and local road networks will retain the existing cutting and embankment slopes.
The hardening of the central reserve between Coal House and Lobley Hill will maximise the availability for two lanes of traffic in each direction throughout the duration of the contract, minimising disruption for road users.
Balfour Beatty’s sustainable approach will include excavated material being utilised as part of the reinforced earth structure and verge fill, with existing road pavement planing being reused as the sub-base within the footway construction. Other excess materials will be taken off site and recycled on construction projects across the north east of England. Additionally, the scheme will employ over 200 people at construction peak including a commitment to three apprentices and two graduates and a proactive approach to seeking opportunities for local small to medium enterprises throughout the duration of the project.
Nicholas Pollard, chief executive officer for Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, said, “Originally built 40 years ago, this section of road is currently one of the more congested sections of road on the Highways Agency’s network. We are delighted to have been selected to carry out these essential improvement works which will increase road user capacity by 30%, reduce congestion and support regeneration and development, helping to boost the local economy.
“As a leading road designer, constructor, asset manager, technology and maintenance provider we have been working in partnership with the Highways Agency since 1994 and have collaborated with them and our supply chain to successfully deliver a number of their flagship projects such as the £371 million A3 Hindhead Tunnel and the £360million A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement Scheme.”
Balfour Beatty’s professional services division, Parsons Brinckerhoff, has provided design support for the scheme.
Works commence on site in late summer and are due for completion in early 2016.
