ROAD improvements on a dual carriageway are expected to cause disruption, particularly for commuters at rush hour periods over the coming fortnight.

Resurfacing work takes place on a section of the A690 Durham to Sunderland road, from Monday.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care during the period of the work which could lead to some delays east of Durham City.

Scheduled as part of Durham County Council’s yearly resurfacing programme to improve the road network, it could run through to the end of the month.

Parts of the road will be closed, with traffic management and contra-flow arrangements to be put into operation while the work takes place.

Diversions and alternative routes will be sign-posted, with speed limits of 10, 30, 40 and 50-mph in force at different points during the work.

Dave Wilcox, the council’s strategic highways manager, said: "We need to carry out these essential carriageway works on this stretch of the A690 and will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We understand however that there will be some inconvenience and we would ask motorists and local residents for their patience while this work is carried out."

Motorists using the stretch of the A690 between West Rainton and Carrville, near the park and ride site, are most likely to be affected by the work.