THE third phase of maintenance work on a main Darlington road will start at the end of the month.

The section of the A66 Darlington southern bypass affected by the work runs from the Neasham roundabout to the A67 Yarm Road roundabout.

Work will involve replacing the road surface, repainting white lines and minor realignment of the kerb to improve the southern A66 entry.

The Cree Beck culvert and Maidendale railway bridge will also be waterproofed.

Two-way traffic will be maintained between 7am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 7pm at weekends. Some night-time working will be required, when traffic will be reduced to single-file controlled by temporary traffic signals.

A 40mph speed limit will be in force during the work, and lay-bys along the section will be closed to traffic.

David Phillips, project manager for the Highways Agency, said: "The work will result in a better quality road surface, which will provide improved skid resistance and reduced noise, offering a much safer and more comfortable ride.

"We would also remind road users that accidents, particularly nose-to-tail collisions, occur more frequently when roadworks are in operation, and motorists should take particular care."