ESSENTIAL maintenance works are affecting a major route into Darlington.

The repairs are taking place on the westbound dual carriageway of the A1150 Stockton Road between the A66 and Great Burdon Village and are scheduled for 10 days between Friday, July 22, and Sunday, July 31.

This section of road carries significant volumes of traffic and Darlington Borough Council is warning drivers to expect significant delays around Darlington and on the diversion route.

The eastbound carriageway heading out of town is open at all times as normal.

A signed diversion route for westbound traffic is via the A66, Darlington Eastern Transport Corridor, McMullen Road and Stockton Road to return to the A1150 at Whinfield Road.

For those travelling to Darlington from Stockton an alternative route is available via the A67 from the A66 Long Newton interchange.

The X66/X67 bus service is affected by this closure. An alternative route to the town centre has been provided. Notices have been posted at affected bus stops explaining what alternatives there will be to passengers.

Darlington Borough Council has apologised for the delays that this will cause and have advised motorists to consider alternative routes and allow more time for their journey via the diversion routes.