A WOMAN died when the car she was travelling in hit a concrete barrier on a stretch of road undergoing safety improvements.

Susannah Rose Hinnigin, 25, of Stocksmoor Close, Darlington, died when the silver Mondeo struck the concrete block, left the road and crashed into a fence and tree on the A167, near Newton Aycliffe.

Her 38-year-old boyfriend, who hasn't been named by police, was driving along the north-bound carriageway, near the Gretna Green pub, when the accident happened at 6.45am on Saturday.

He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

A 40mph limit is in force on the road while Durham County Council carries out a scheme of road improvements and safety measures.

The work, prompted by a fatal accident involving a 16-year-old girl last year, involves reducing the road to single carriageway on both sides and doubling the width of the central reservation.