THE A1 will be shut in both directions in North Yorkshire this weekend while three bridges are dismantled.

The A1 will close between Leeming and Dishforth from 6pm on Saturday and is expected to be reopened by 1pm on Sunday.

Work on the 13-mile Dishforth to Leeming section of the A1 started in March 2009 and is due to be completed by spring 2012.

Signed diversions will be in place for long-distance and local traffic.

Long-distance southbound traffic will leave the A1(M) at Junction 60 (Darlington) and use the A19/A168 to rejoin the A1(M) at Dishforth.

Long-distance northbound traffic will leave at Junction 49 (Dishforth) and follow the A168, A19 and A689 before rejoining at Junction 60.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

The closure will allow the Highways Agency to complete the removal of Londonderry, Cowfold and Leases Bridges as part of the scheme to upgrade the A1 to motorway. Two previous closures took place in April.