WORK to resurface the hard shoulder and improve the central reservation barrier on the A1 (M) near Durham City will begin next week.

From Monday (January 12), a 4.2 mile section of the between Junctions 62 and 63 – Durham City and Chester-le-Street - will have a new concrete safety barrier installed.

Work will also be done to renew drainage and resurface the hard shoulder.

The work is planned to be completed by the end of April.

A 50mph speed limit will be in place to ensure the safety of road users and workmen and there will be overnight lane closures between 8pm and 6am.

Highways Agency project manager, Shaun Cullumbine, said: “This barrier installation scheme and resurfacing and drainage works will improve safety on the A1 (M) in County Durham.

“Concrete barriers reduce the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improve the safety of road users and road workers.

“We recognise the impact this work will have on road users in the area, particularly as there are major upgrade works further north on the same road.

“To ensure we minimise the impact of these roadworks, any lane closures needed will take place overnight.

“We are grateful for motorists’ understanding during the work and ask that they drive carefully through the roadworks and where needed, on clearly signed diversion routes.”