Congestion in County Durham to be relieved with the opening of a new climbing lane.
United Kingdom – A new 1.25 mile (2km) climbing lane on the A1(M) in County Durham is anticipated to help ease congestion.

The £3.6 million lane, which is to be located south of the junction with the A690, will help traffic to travel up the steepest part of this road.

Heavy goods vehicles make up ten per cent of the traffic on the A1(M), which sometimes cause delays for drivers.

"The new lane will have a marked impact on reducing congestion and also driver frustration, on this busy section of the A1(M) in County Durham," says Andrew Jennings, project manager for the Highways Agency.

"I thank everyone who uses the A1(M) between junctions 61 and 62 for their patience over the last six months while this new climbing lane was built."

The Agency has also repaired and improved the Whitwell Farm Bridge between junctions 61 and 62 and the Priors Close Bridge between junctions 62 and 63.

Mr Jennings says these repairs will help to cut "future disruption to anyone using this section of the motorway".