A1 Wideopen to Seaton Burn Diversion

This 2.7 mile road scheme by-passed the villages of Wide Open and Seaton Burn. It was completed in 1969. The final structure on the diversion is Fisher Lane Bridge at the A1 and A19 junction. The route line had been laid down and protected from development in 1939 following the passing of the Trunk Road Act of 1936. The diversion now links the Newcastle Western By-pass to the dual carriageway section of the A1 between Shotton Edge and Stannington Bridge. The scheme was designed by John Miller. It was built by Higgs and Hill Civil Engineering Ltd. Alderman Sydney Pickup opened the road. In 1995 Blagdon Bridge, designed by David Laux, was opened to remove a junction accident spot.