A series of overnight closures on the A1 is set to begin tonight.

The closures are part of repairs taking place on the A1 Wentbridge Viaduct and will affect drivers heading south from the Harrogate district on the A1.

Tonight the A1 southbound will be closed between Ferrybridge and Barnsdale Bar as National Highways begins to move the contraflow currently in place on this section of road, enabling work to switch from the southbound to the northbound carriageway.

National Highways, the government company that maintains major roads, said in a statement today it would use the closures to carry out further maintenance and repairs to prevent future roadworks.

The organisation recommended drivers stay on the motorway network using the M62 and M18 for both northbound and southbound journeys where possible, and not to rely on their satnavs.

Closures:

• 23 - 25 February: Northbound


• 26 - 28 February: Southbound


• 29 February - 8 March: Northbound


• A full closure is scheduled for the A1 northbound on 20 March.

Diversions:

• Southbound traffic to use the M62 and M18


• Northbound diversion - traffic on A1 up to Wadworth (junction 35) - leave junction 35 onto M18 and M62 to Ferrybridge Interchange.


• Northbound high-sided vehicles, traffic north of Wadworth (junction 35) - leave A1 at Barnsdale Bar onto A6201 and onto A628 re-joining A1 from the A645 via Ferrybridge Interchange. The environmental weight restriction for HGVs on A628 Ackworth has been revoked during overnight closures of the A1. This is due to height restrictions on an alternate route.


• Northbound diversion, traffic north of Wadworth (junction 35) - leave A1 at Barnsdale Bar onto A639, re-joining A1 from the A645 via Ferrybridge Interchange. There are height restrictions on this route.

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