Work to install a new footbridge over the A1 carriageway is due to begin this week, Highways England has announced.

Contractors will begin installing the 60 metre structure at Gatesehead on Friday, 12 February.

The footbridge, which is being delivered in three pieces, is part of a £61 million scheme to increase the number of lanes from two to three along a four mile stretch of the A1.

New parallel link roads are also being created between Lobley Hill and Gateshead Quay.

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Previously, the old Chiltern Gardens footbridge was demolished last year as part of the upgrade project.

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: "The installation of a new footbridge is a key moment as we add extra lanes to an important section of the A1, to deliver better journeys for people in Gateshead.

"We are making the most extensive improvements to roads since the 1970s, and this £61million project is a key part of it."

Highways England project manager Lynne Biddles added: "The new footbridge will provide an important link between two communities and is an impressive structure, spanning six lanes over the A1.

"We need to close the A1 overnight in order to carry out the installation safely as we will require large cranes to lift the structure into place."

To install the new footbridge, the road will be closed between junction 68 (Lobley Hill) and junction 69 (Gateshead Quays) between 8pm on 12 February and 9am on 13 February.

(LM/MH)