Chronicle Live readers are livid upon learning that a newly constructed bridge, part of a colossal project to expand a section of the A1, has been found to have defects. The Allerdene Bridge, built as part of National Highways’ significant Birtley to Coal House A1 upgrade scheme, is one of 12 across the nation where welding issues have been detected by steelwork contractor Severfield.
The 3,400-tonne road bridge, which spans a section of the East Coast Main Line in Gateshead, was opened to traffic in September 2023.
Both National Highways and the North Yorkshire-based steel firm assert that the deficiencies at the motorway bridge, which has replaced the old Allerdene Bridge over the railway line, did not pose an immediate safety risk. However, traffic restrictions that were lifted elsewhere on that stretch of the A1 before Christmas have remained in force around the bridge due to the problem.
National Highways confirmed it was first alerted to a potential issue with the welding quality of steel beams on the Allerdene Bridge by Severfield last August and that the defects could shorten the structure’s 120-year lifespan if left unaddressed. The Government-owned body stated that it has restrictions on vehicles with abnormal loads using the bridge and that the new, extra lane of traffic built in each direction will remain closed over the bridge, for approximately one mile, until the welding problem is rectified.
Commenter Facting says: “You couldn’t make this stuff up. The welding should have been inspected at source, when the steelwork was being manufactured and before being sent to site. Imagine making aeroplanes and allowing them to fly, then discovering that the welds are bad.”
Bluesee asks: “Was the welding done at the site or prior to that? In any case it should have been inspected professionally when it was done.”
Ipagardner agrees: “Welding on structures such as this should be carried out by experienced coded welders, not some Johnny come lately who has been on a few months welding course.”
Cover suggests: “Leave it for a few years until it’s a major problem then just close it. Seems to be the way things are done now!”
Commomsenseman thinks: “Lack of investment over decades for the forgotten people of the north. Look at the state of our transport and infrastructure up here while billions have been and are still being squandered on a train that will save 20 minutes on a train from London to Manchester. It’s nothing short of criminal.”
CaptainScarlett agrees: “Hard to believe there’s been some shoddy work done. The Victorians built bridges that are still standing now and will for decades more, the new breed of worker couldn’t put a Lego set together with any skill.”
Allyoops adds: “A once great nation, now can’t even do a road project or build a decent bridge. Look at HS2, costing double or triple the initial costing for half the project, it’s been going on for many years and still nowhere near finished.”
StomaBag says: “Get the Romans back. Their roads lasted for centuries.”
Meowmeow2 is outraged: “You can’t make this stuff up, every bridge and fly-over in Gateshead is falling down, creating traffic chaos around the region. A brand new bridge on a road meant to relieve pressure on a road that has been plagued with congestion for decades, was defective before it was even installed. Whoever is responsible for its quality control during its manufacture, should be sent to prison and whoever accepted the handover by Gateshead Council should be fired.”
NEWCASTLE500 replies: “There will be very stringent rules about what kind of steel could be used and where it comes from (all steel is certified and traceable). There would also be very stringent rules regarding the weld procedures to be used and how the welds are tested. What I am surprised about is that welds were not suitably repaired as defects were found. In most industries welds are tested within a few days of being completed, any defects would be ground out, repaired and retested fairly quickly. A log of defects would usually also be kept. If the company knew there were defects, then I don’t understand why the bridge was signed over.”
PJH adds: “First the Swing Bridge, then the Tyne Bridge, then the flyover, then the metros, then the Redheugh Bridge, now the A1. Where are the councils and the North East Mayor in all of this mess?”
Will the closure of the bridge affect you? Do you think there is an immediate safety risk? Have your say in our comments section.