WORK is underway aimed at easing traffic flow on a busy city roundabout.

The widening scheme, at the Claypath exit from Gilesgate roundabout, on the A690, in Durham, began on Monday and is expected to take up to a fortnight to complete.

But, as a result, Durham County Council has closed the junction to traffic intending to leave the roundabout to travel down lower Gilesgate and Claypath, for the duration of the work.

It does not effect traffic leaving Claypath, heading eastbound onto the A690 or to Sunderland and Sherburn roads.

The council is carrying out the work, during the less pressured school summer holiday period, to widen the exit road from the roundabout leading to Claypath, where at present the tight turn poses problems for some coaches and larger vehicles, particularly those driven by motorists unfamiliar with the road layout.

In some cases the vehicles in question have to stop to adjust position before completing the turn, causing disruption for other traffic on the roundabout.

The new wider exit road will ensure vehicles, specifically the many coaches heading to the Freeman’s Place coach park, are less likely to have to stop, improving traffic flow and reducing the likelihood of delays and congestion.

Throughout the period of the work, city bound traffic will be diverted via Leazes Road.

Several bus services which normally use Claypath will, instead, use Leazes Road.

Further information and a diversion route map can be found at: www.durham.gov.uk/gilesgate