Work on the A1 Gateshead and Newcastle Western Bypass is likely to be carried out with the assistance of lighting towers as the Highways Agency looks to minimise disruption to daytime traffic on the road.

The organisation is putting its concreting tools to work installing new signage alongside the roadway, advising motorists of a change to the speed limit.

From Birtley Interchange to Blaydon Viaduct, a permanent limit of 50 mph is to be enforced in order to help maintain traffic flows and improve safety.

Work got underway this week and is expected to end in late November, with the concreting tools put to work between 20:00 and 06:00 GMT.

Project manager John Sheerin says: "The accident rate for this part of the A1 is double the national average."

Additional lighting towers in the area of the roadworks could also help to ensure visibility for motorists overnight while the work is being carried out.

Meanwhile, on the M56 near Manchester, delayed work to resurface the roadway between Stretton and Preston Brook also got underway this week.

Posted by Andrew Miles