PART of a main road will be closed until the weekend after a water pipe burst at one of Durham's busiest junctions.

Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “We can confirm the water main has been repaired, however the burst has caused extensive damage to the road, much of which is underground.

“The northbound carriageway of the A167 between Neville’s Cross and the Duke of Wellington pub will therefore remain closed with diversions in place while Northumbrian Water carries out restoration work.

“A temporary closure of the A690 westbound to Langley Moor will be required at some point to facilitate this work, again with diversions in place, but at this stage it is not possible to say when or how long the road closures will be in place. We have removed traffic lights at Burnigill Bank while the section of A167 is closed to improve traffic flows in the area and will not be beginning our planned work at this location until the road is reopen.”

A stream of water could be seen racing down Neville's Cross Bank on Tuesday after the pipe burst at about 11am on Tuesday and bags were used to line the road to try and prevent water from flooding people's homes.

Neville's Cross councillor Liz Brown said she had asked for work to take place during the day to allow residents to get some sleep.

A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: "The burst at Neville’s Cross has been repaired.

"Northumbrian Water are now working with the local council and contractors to reinstate the damage to the carriageway and pedestrian walkways caused by the burst.

"The A167 north bound will remain closed from the Duke of Wellington up to the traffic lights at Neville’s Cross. The reinstatement is expected to be complete by Sunday.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and would like to that everyone for their patience and cooperation during this time. For further updates please see @nwater_care on Twitter.”