WORK on the final stage of repairs to a busy commuter route hit by a landslip has started, amid hopes that the road will be reopened by spring.

The repairs to the A67 at Carlbury will include removing a number of ancient trees from the embankment to allow it to be pinned and secured following a serious landslip in February last year.

Highways bosses at Darlington Borough Council said the main route between Darlington and Barnard Castle is on track to be reopened by May next year.

The authority has revealed for the first time that the speed limit on the A67 will be reduced to 50mph when it is reopened to vehicles, with the aim of improving road safety.

The A67 has been closed to motorists since May as part of a £2.4m programme of repairs, funded by the Government.

Stabilisation works to the embankment started this week following months of work by the council and Northumbrian Water to complete a 1km diversion of two water mains to relieve excess pressure on the embankment.

Phase three of the repair scheme will involve soil plugs up to 8m long being inserted under the road to stabilise the bank, as well as plans for improvements to drainage, the road surface and footpaths.

In order to complete the repairs, up to one hectare of ancient semi-natural woodland, close to the Teesdale Way, will have to be permanently removed.

The council has said it will mitigate the loss of woodland by improving a site three miles downstream with additional woodland, hedgerows and meadows.

In a report agreeing the loss of the woodland, council planning officers noted: “The visual impacts will necessarily be significant affecting about one hectare of woodland. It will be replaced by species rich meadowland along the south facing slope of the bank.

“The proposed work is necessary and the mitigation works downstream are considered to be reasonable compensation for the loss of the woodland.”

The A67 will remain closed until repairs are complete, with diversions and temporary bus services already in place continuing until it is fully reopen.

Dave Winstanley, assistant director for highways at Darlington Borough Council, said: “Work is progressing well and we are on track to re-open the road in May 2015.”

For updates on the A67 repairs visit darlington.gov.uk/carlbury