Contractor 'could consider working outside peak hours' on A1 roadworks in Northumberland

A highways operator involved with roadworks along the A1 in Northumberland, which have been causing lengthy delays for drivers, has said that it can consider working outside of peak hours.
Vehicles queuing on Monday due to the traffic controls on the A1 near Tritlington.Vehicles queuing on Monday due to the traffic controls on the A1 near Tritlington.
Vehicles queuing on Monday due to the traffic controls on the A1 near Tritlington.

As we reported earlier this week, traffic controls on the A1 - limiting it to one lane, near the Tritlington/Ulgham turn-off to the north of Morpeth - have been leading to long queues of traffic. The work, to construct a lay-by, is set to take place until Wednesday, April 6. There will be traffic signals in operation north and southbound, 24 hours a day, with 40mph limits in place.

The situation has led to Alnwick county councillor Gordon Castle asking County Hall officers if the contractors could avoid peak times while working at the spot. On Facebook yesterday, Coun Castle posted the following response he received from a county-council officer.

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It read: 'As we thought, we have no jurisdiction over the work as it’s on the A1, however, we can pass on concerns. We’ve spoken to A-one+ who confirm they are currently working 24 hours a day to get the work done quicker, but they can consider working outside peak hours if necessary. They have people on site monitoring the traffic queues so they are keeping an eye on things. Apparently there were some complaints yesterday but none today. Once the works have been in for a few days they will review the situation'.

Coun Castle said: "I feel this is all that can be done at this stage. The county county has no jurisdiction whatsoever over the A1 Highways Agency, all we can do is raise and pass on concerns."