MOTORISTS are being advised of overnight road closures as Durham County Council carry out essential maintenance work starting next week.

The works, which will be completed in two phases, will be carried out on the A167 between Pity Me and Chester Moor.

On Tuesday, the northbound carriageway between Plawsworth and Chester Moor will be closed from 10pm until 6am.

The southbound carriageway will then be closed on Wednesday, again between 10pm and 6am.

The second phase, which is from Pity Me to Plawsworth, will begin on Tuesday August 23.

The northbound carriageway will be closed from 10pm until 6am, with the southbound carriageway being closed on Wednesday August 24, 10pm until 6am.

During the closures, traffic will be diverted via the A691 Durham to Lanchester – A6076 Lanchester to Stanley – A693 Stanley to Chester-le-Street A167 and vice versa.

Mark Readman, highways service manager, said: “The maintenance is essential to keep the highway safe.”