WORK on a footbridge across a section of the A19, where a 12-year-old girl lost her life three years ago, moved closer to completion at the weekend.

The walkway has been designed to create a safe link between a Peterlee industrial complex and a neighbouring resi- dential area in east Durham.

It was the death of Sarah Jane Bell which prompted traffic surveys, showing that more than 400 people crossed the carriageways each day.

A section of the A19 was closed during construction at the weekend, and closures will take place again over the next two weekends.

Highways Agency project manager Shaun Collumbine said: "The work on the bridge has gone well so far, and we are now in the final stages which will, unfortunately, have the most impact on the travelling public.

"Although we have set up diversions while the closures are in place, road users may find it easier to use the A1 as an alternative north-south route over the next two weekends."