Motorway roundabout closing for bridge repairs

The southern part of the roundabout will close for 10 weeks

A key motorway roundabout will be closed for about 10 weeks to allow for bridge repairs, resurfacing and lighting improvements.

The southern part of the roundabout over the A1(M) at J59 Coatham Interchange in County Durham will close from 06:00 BST on Friday 5 April.

This will allow for repairs to the concrete bridge deck.

National Highways programme delivery manager Stuart Allanson said the body aimed to finish the work "as quickly as possible", as it understood the junction's importance.

"We really appreciate the public's patience and cooperation," he said.

The motorway beneath the bridge will remain open, but will have narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit.

The work is due to start on Tuesday and is expected to finish in late summer.

It will be carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: Bridge deck repairs, scheduled to take place between 2 April and July

• Phase 2: Lighting renewal, expected to take place from mid-May to mid-August

• Phase 3: Resurfacing of the junction, expected in July

Further closures are expected, along with a full weekend closure in July, with dates to be confirmed.

National Highways has advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance of the works.

It also recommended that drivers followed the signed diversions and did not rely on sat-nav devices.