A PROJECT to improve a busy road junction is nearing completion.

The final round of work on the roundabout next to Junction 63 of the A1(M) at Chester-e-Street is due to start on Tuesday, May 5, and is expected to take just over two weeks.

The roundabout handles traffic coming off and on to the motorway and traffic heading east to Wearside and west to Stanley and Consett.

The Durham County Council scheme, which is the culmination of many months of work on the roundabout and nearby roads, has been designed to ease congestion.

Resurfacing will be done overnight between 8pm and 6am, during which time the junction’s feeder roads will be closed to vehicles. Diversion routes will be clearly signed.

The council says that disruption to motorists will be kept to a minimum by carrying out the work through the night and by avoiding the two Bank Holiday weekends coming up in May.

The resurfacing is expected to be completed by Thursday, May 21.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “We are entering the final stage of this large and complex scheme which will make a big difference to motorists who use this busy commuter route.

“The resurfacing work has been planned to make sure it has as little impact as possible by carrying it out at the quietest times and by avoiding the Bank Holidays. “

Mr Reed added: “We appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete this essential project.”

Drivers should visit www.durham.gov.uk/roadworks for details of this and other roadworks in the county.