A1 Gateshead Western Bypass widening scheme getting under way

Image source, Highways Agency

Image caption, Campaigners have called for the road to be widened for a number of years

Work to widen a 6.4km (four miles) stretch of one of the North East's busiest roads is getting under way.

The scheme, costing up to 拢77m, on the A1 Western Bypass at Gateshead, will see the creation of a third lane in both directions.

It is aimed at reducing congestion between the Coal House roundabout and the Metrocentre.

A road will also be built to link Lobley Hill and Gateshead Quays, with work to be completed by spring 2016.

Overnight lane closures are planned and a 40mph speed limit will be in place during the works.

The first closures will be from 20:00 BST on Tuesday to 06:00 BST on Saturday between Swalwell and the Coal House roundabout in both directions.