MIDDLESBROUGH Council has issued a reminder that firms based close to the ongoing A66 throughabout works remain open for business.

The works have required the introduction of a number of temporary traffic management measures on roads in the surrounding area and on the A66 itself.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: "The works are progressing well, and we would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while they are underway. We would also like to remind everyone that all of the businesses in the surrounding industrial estates remain open as usual and are fully accessible to the public."

As well as serving Middlesbrough town centre, the A66 plays a key strategic role in connecting the A19 and A1(M) trunk roads to the west with Teesport and the South Tees Development Corporation site to the east.

A171 Cargo Fleet Lane is one of the Borough's busiest north to south routes, serving east Middlesbrough and linking the town centre with Guisborough, Whitby and Scarborough.

The A66/A171 Cargo Fleet junction carries around 5,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods and operates close to its practical capacity at such times.

This frequently results in delays and congestion, increasing journey times and reducing journey time reliability on two of the Borough's most important roads.

Works to construct the scheme commenced in October and completion is expected for late spring.