CYCLISTS will soon be able to cross a busy stretch of road on a cycleway.

The Highways Agency, in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, is to help fund and build a dedicated cycle track over the A19, near Billingham.

The track, which will link into National Cycle Route 14, will be constructed on the A139 Billingham Viaduct which crosses the A19.

The work is due to start on Monday and is expected to last for about 12 weeks.

The cycleway is part of the agency's commitment to providing safe crossing points on the motorway and trunk road network for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

Roads Minister David Jamieson said: "This scheme is a good example of how the Highways Agency is working in partnership with other bodies to provide safe and accessible crossing points on the trunk road network for cyclists.

"As the network of National Cycle Routes continues to grow, it is vital people can access the whole route safely.

"This new cycleway will help people in Teesside do this and I hope it is well used when it is completed and opened."

Work to construct the cycleway will take place alongside planned bridge maintenance work by Autolink Concessionaires, on Billingham Viaduct.

The viaduct will operate one-way, eastbound, for the duration of the works. Westbound traffic will be diverted via the A19 southbound, Portrack Roundabout and A19 northbound.