Tilbury Douglas ‘Jacks’ Bridge Decks into Place on A69 Upgrade

Tilbury Douglas has successfully ‘jacked’ two bridge decks into place on the A69 upgrade project in Northumberland. New images have captured a pivotal moment in the major upgrade to the key trans-Pennine route connecting Newcastle and Carlisle, which is used by thousands of drivers every day.

An accompanying time lapse video shows the remarkable progress made on the A69 Bridge End roundabout near Hexham in Northumberland, where engineers are building two bridges. The Highways England scheme will improve safety, reduce congestion, support economic growth and enhance access from the A69 into the town.

The public has now been given the first glimpse of the bridge decks, which vehicles will drive over, after they were lifted into their final position ahead of this summer’s opening.

Highways England project manager Alek James said:

“I’m very pleased that we’ve successfully ‘jacked’ the bridge decks into place and it’s nice for people to get a proper look at the fruits of our labour. I’d also like to reiterate how proud I am of the team for the work they’ve done throughout the Covid-19 crisis and difficult weather conditions.

“By completing this landmark stage of the scheme, we have moved a significant step closer to the moment everyone is waiting for, which is opening to traffic this summer.”

Paula Parson, Construction Manager for Infrastructure at Tilbury Douglas said:

“We are delighted to have completed this part of the A69 project, I would like to thank our team and the wider supply chain for all their hard work on this scheme to date.”

Since work got underway last year more than 200,000 tonnes of earth has been removed to create the excavation 11 metres below the old roundabout where the new A69 will run.

The teams have achieved over 140,000 safe working hours and provided continuous employment since the start of the pandemic, with no staff furloughed, and strict measures in place to protect their health. Around 80% of workforce are from the North East, half of which are from north of Tyne, and Highways England has also supported the region by using local suppliers and firms.

After this summer’s opening to traffic landscaping and planting (including some wildflowers native to the area) will be carried out, with all traffic management removed by the autumn.