Resurfacing and safety improvements along the A66, at the border of County Durham and Cumbria, are set to begin as part of phase two of the scheme.

National Highways has successfully built a new crossover point in the central reservation, east of the North Stainmore junction, to complete phase one.

The contraflow system at this point will ensure the A66 remains open for traffic in both directions while the second phase of the scheme is carried out.

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The second phase will be carried out in two stages.

The first involves resurfacing the A66 eastbound carriageway between Stainmore Café and Black Riggs.

Stage two will involve installing signs to warn drivers when a vehicle is turning out of Stainmore Café across the flow of traffic to the westbound carriageway.

It also includes updating road markings and putting solar studs at the Stainmore Café junction to improve safety.

This phase will begin from Monday, September 12, with the aim of finishing on Monday, October 17.

There is a 2.9-metre width restriction on the contraflow and drivers of any vehicles over this width are advised that they should use an alternative route.

There is also a 40mph speed limit for drivers travelling through the contraflow.

This will be enforced by average speed camera checks.

To enable the traffic management for the contraflow to be removed safely, the agency will close the A66 westbound between Bowes junction and Brough interchange on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October 2022.

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An advanced signed diversion route will be in place for all traffic.

Jill Fenton, National Highways’ Project Manager for the North West, said: “We always aim to complete roadworks as planned, but unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather may mean slight changes happen.

“We’d like to apologise in advance for any disturbance our work may cause and we thank you for bearing with us.”

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