WORK will start next week on safety improvements at an accident blackspot.

Construction will start on Monday to change the lay-out at the A690 Stoneygate junction near Houghton-le-Spring, with work expected to take six weeks.

Since 2011, there have been at least 11 serious accidents in the area, with many collisions involving cars taking right hand turns across the busy A690 dual carriageway.

The work which gets underway next week will prevent drivers taking right turns out of the Newbottle and Warden Law side roads to reduce the risk of further collisions.

Last year, Sunderland City Council proposed closing the junctions completely, but around 80 per cent of residents objected over access issues.

Councillor Michael Mordey, from Sunderland City Council, said: “Over the years there have been too many collisions at this junction and safety is major concern here.

“After hearing what people think and looking at their comments, this design is about reducing the risk of collisions and accidents and making the junction safer.

“We are removing right turn manoeuvres from the side roads across the dual carriageway.”

The section of the A690 has a 50mph speed limit and last year the council carried out work to improve sight-lines at the junction.

Some lane closures and limited access to the side roads will be in force during the roadworks.

Cllr Anne Lawson added: “Sadly, safety has been an issue at the junction for a long time.

“We all now hope that with these new works the risk of injury or worse is going to be lessened.”