Drivers travelling on the A1(M) through County Durham and Darlington are being urged to plan ahead this festive season, with a lengthy programme of lane closures, overnight works and speed restrictions set to stretch well into the New Year.

Barrier works, electrical upgrades and drainage improvements will affect traffic between junctions 56 at Barton and 63 at Chester-le-Street.

Some restrictions will remain in force right through Christmas and continue until April 2026.

Lane closures in both directions between Junction 61 (Bowburn) and Junction 63 (Chester-le-Street) will remain in place daily as part of ongoing safety barrier renewal works which started in the autumn.

These restrictions will run through to April 20 next year, with some occasional full overnight closures added through

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