Congestion site roadworks to take 10 weeks

Work to reduce congestion on the A688 is due to start next month

Roadworks aimed at tackling congestion through a town will take 10 weeks, according to council bosses.

Durham County Council is due to start the first phase of work at junctions along the A688 in Bishop Auckland on 5 August.

It is part of a £539,000 project affecting junctions at Princes Street, Kingsway, South Church roundabout and Coundongate roundabout.

Councillor Elizabeth Scott said the scheme aimed to reduce "queueing, congestion and journey times".

The council said the first phase would widen the road from Princes Street roundabout to Tenters Street.

The southbound lane would be closed while work is carried out, with a diversion in place around North Bondgate and Kingsway.

The work is expected to last 10 weeks.

Ms Scott said: "Works at each junction will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to motorists."