THIS WEEK we are looking back at the process and the end result of the A69 Bridge End roundabout that took over three years to complete.

Hexham Courant: A69 Bridgend original roundabout plansA69 Bridgend original roundabout plans (Image: NQ)The £30 million work started in October 2019 and saw the stretch of dual carriageway built under the existing roundabout and the construction of two bridges to form a new junction. 

Hexham Courant: Roadworks at Bridge End roundabout in Hexham in 2020Roadworks at Bridge End roundabout in Hexham in 2020 (Image: Highways England)The roundabout was completed and finally opened on October 7 2022. 

MP for Hexham Guy Opperman and local councillors visited the scheme to see first-hand the work that’s been done and the benefits it would bring to the town. 

Hexham Courant: Hexham roundabout in June 17 2021 Hexham roundabout in June 17 2021 (Image: National Highways)

80 per cent of the workforce for the project were from the North East, with half of those coming from north of the Tyne. Local suppliers were also used wherever possible. 

 

Hexham Courant: Roadworks continue on the Bridge End roundabout on the A69 at HexhamRoadworks continue on the Bridge End roundabout on the A69 at Hexham (Image: NQ)

It is believed that more than 200,000 tonnes of earth were excavated, 11 metres below the old roundabout for the new A69. 

Hexham Courant: Overhead view of A69 Bridge End in 2021Overhead view of A69 Bridge End in 2021 (Image: National Highways)Around 51 miles of steel reinforcement was used in the new structures which if to be laid end to end would stretch from Hexham to Holy Island.

Due to the restricted size of the site, each new bridge was not built in its permanent position but built about 150m away and then driven into place on special multi-axal vehicles before being lowered into their permanent positions. 

Hexham Courant: Roadworks continue on the Bridge End roundabout on the A69 at Hexham in 2020Roadworks continue on the Bridge End roundabout on the A69 at Hexham in 2020 (Image: NQ)The plan was that the congestion-busting junction improvement from National Highways would also support the economic growth of the north of England.

Hexham Courant: A Highways England image of what the Bridge End roundabout at Hexham was planned to look like.A Highways England image of what the Bridge End roundabout at Hexham was planned to look like. (Image: NQ)

At the time, Guy Opperman said: “This scheme is further upgrading and improvement of the A69. There’s more to do but this is a great start. 

“This is a commitment to Northumberland which will make the road safer and will make the region more attractive for business investment.”