HIGHWAYS chiefs say bridge repairs in the centre of Durham will cause severe traffic delays from this weekend.

Durham County Council is giving New Elvet Bridge a £250,000 revamp that includes laying a new surface, repairing the exposed concrete deck, waterproofing and resurfacing.

The work, the first major maintenance the bridge has had since it was built nearly 30 years ago, begins on Monday, July 24, and is due to be completed early in September.

Cones will be put on the bridge on Sunday, between 9.30am and 3.30pm, while workmen prepare the project.

When work starts, two-way traffic will be restricted to half the bridge.

The bridge may be closed completely at times. The dates for this have not been set, but diversions will be signposted.

Director of environment and technical services, Chris Tunstall, said: "Drivers should try to avoid the area, if at all possible, or build in extra time for their journey. The bridge will be closed to pedestrians throughout the work so there will be considerable inconvenience for people on foot, too."

Mr Tunstall said the council was also taking the opportunity to put in new street lighting and decorative paving.

It would resurface the Elvet junction next to The Half Moon pub.

The contract for the work has been awarded to construction firm John Mowlem.