LONG-awaited safety work at an accident blackspot junction of the A66, near Darlington, has finally started.

The scheme, at the Sadberge junction to the east of town, is the second major safety works to take place on the road in recent months, following a number of accidents on the road.

Highways Agency engineers have warned of disruption to traffic for the next five months, but have promised to keep it to a minimum.

The work will result in the closure of two central reservation gaps and will also introduce traffic calming measures in Sadberge.

Project manager Brian Dobson said: "We realise that this section of the A66 is an important commuter route for both Darlington and Teesside, so we have programmed any work on the mainline of the A66 to be carried out overnight so as to make use of lower traffic volumes and to reduce disruption at peak times."

Many of the problems have been caused by traffic turning right, either out of the village or from the westbound carriageway into the village.

The scheme follows five weeks of work near the Long Newton interchange, where there have also been a number of accidents in recent years.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Police confirmed they are still in negotiations with highways engineers to install the first two speed cameras in the force's area of the road.

The work at Sadberge is split into three sections. On the main road itself, two central reservation gaps, at Darlington Road and Stockton Road, will be closed.

There will also be the introduction of traffic calming in the village and the measures will include gateway features, additional signage and road markings, the extension of speed limit restrictions, weight restrictions and improvements to street lighting.

Mr Dobson said: "The traffic calming measures will also be required to take into account the redistribution of traffic following the third part of the scheme, which is the construction of a link road from the A66 to Middleton Road. This will be for the use of westbound traffic wanting to enter the village of Sadberge.

"The link road will connect with Middleton Road and will use an existing bridge to take traffic under the A66 and into the centre of the village."

And he warned: "We would remind road users that accidents, particularly nose-to-tail collisions, occur more frequently when roadworks are in operation.