Two-Year A1 Repair Programme Completed at Wentbridge

National Highways said the work had been completed on Friday 5 December

A major two-year programme of roadworks on the A1 and A1(M) in West Yorkshire has finally come to an end, bringing relief to drivers who have faced long-running delays.

The project, which began in February 2023, involved significant repairs to two bridges at Wentbridge near Pontefract. Throughout the works, both directions of the A1 were restricted to single lanes and the speed limit was cut from 70mph (113km/h) to 50mph.

National Highways confirmed that the work was completed on Friday and that all traffic restrictions have now been removed. However, the agency warned that some overnight lane closures may still be required early next year to allow for monitoring and minor adjustments to the newly repaired structures.

The scheme focused on the Grade II listed Wentbridge viaduct — a landmark structure carrying the A1 across the River Went — as well as the nearby Wentedge Road bridge. When the concrete viaduct opened in December 1961, standing almost 100ft (30m) above the river and stretching 470ft (143m), it was considered the largest of its kind in Europe. Its modernist design led to it being granted listed status in 1998.

John Stebbing, programme delivery manager for National Highways, said the team was pleased to have completed “a very complex project” ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.

“We know both road users and residents will welcome the end of these works,” he said. “We’d like to thank drivers — and especially the local community — for their patience and support throughout the essential repairs.”