A STRETCH of one of the region's most popular coastal routes will be closed for two weeks to allow for the completion of vital roadworks.

A 1,200-metre stretch of the A174, which connects East Cleveland with Whitby, between the junction for Cowbar and the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council boundary at Staithes, will close on Monday.

The council has already carried out four weeks' work replacing existing drainage gulleys and adding concrete edge strengthening, using a temporary lights system to manage the traffic as part of a £200,000 scheme.

But the council said the closure is necessary to complete the surfacing work because the carriageway is too narrow.

A diversion will be in place, directing motorists via the B1366, the A171 Moors Road and the B1266.

Drivers are urged to follow the route to gain access to businesses in the area, which will be open as usual during the closure.

Weather permitting, the council hopes to finish ahead of the scheduled reopening of Monday, March 18.

For enquiries on bus services, call the Traveline on (0870) 6082608. For other enquiries call the council's principal engineer Sean O'Rourke on (01642) 444614.