News

Giant Gateshead Sinkhole Closes A1

Avatar photo

26 June 2016

By Lauren H

Earlier today, the A1 was forced shut after a giant sinkhole appeared in Gateshead.

Motorists were warned to avoid the northbound carriageway, heading towards the Metrocentre between junctions 67-68.

The 16ft deep and 10ft wide sinkhole covers the whole carriageway, and is believed to be an old shallow mine. Since its appearance, it has been be filled with concrete so that the road can re-open. However, it is believed that this will not be complete until tomorrow morning (Monday) at the earliest.

Giant sinkhole appears on the A1
Giant sinkhole appears on the A1

Though it is clear that this could have been a very dangerous incident, having appeared in the road on Saturday night, Northumbria Police have confirmed that nobody has been injured.

Rob Beckitt, duty operations manager at Highways England, commented:

“Safety is our top priority; we need to repair the carriageway and ensure it is totally safe before drivers use it.”

While the road is no longer as congested as it was earlier today, police have the following diversions in place if necessary.

  1. A1 Northbound diverted onto A690 then onto A19 towards Newcastle
  2. A1 Northbound onto A194M near to Birtley Services
  3. Take A19 to A184 into Newcastle or back onto A1
  4. Coalhouse Roundabout through Team Valley Trading Estate and back onto A1
  5. Come off at Eighton Banks (A167 Durham Road) through Gateshead to Tyne Bridge or A184

If you’ve been affected by the closure, feel free to contact us and let us know.

Most importantly, drive safely.

Like this article? Please share!