The first stage of work to repair the damage to the A67 at Carlbury has finished early, with the road expected to be open to motorists from 5pm today (Thursday, February 20).

The landslip hit road, a commuter link between Darlington and Teesdale, has been closed since Saturday, February 8, for preliminary investigations ahead of the lengthy repairs process due to begin in May.

The A67 had been expected to be closed for two weeks for the preliminary works, with detours via Staindrop Road in place, but the work has been completed more quickly than expected.