A ROAD in County Durham is set to close for several months to allow major roadworks to take place.

The B6300 Browney Lane, near Durham, will be closed between St John's Road in Meadowfield and the Honest Lawyer roundabout, near Croxdale, to allow for repairs to Burnigill Bank.

It will be closed from Saturday, July 20 until the roadworks are complete, which is expected to be in the end of the autumn.

The land to the northern edge of Burnigill Bank has suffered slippage over recent years towards the East Coast Mainline, which runs adjacent to the road.

Engineers will need to construct additional foundations, including a piled retaining structure to retain the road on either side of the rail bridge.

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained where possible and rail timetables will not be affected.

Mark Readman, highway services manager at Durham County Council, said: “It is essential for the safety of road users and construction staff that we close the road to allow these works to take place and apologise for any convenience that may be caused.

“I would like to assure residents and businesses affected that we will be working on extended shifts, seven days a week where works permit, to ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible.”

Vehicles over 4.4m or 14’ 6” are being advised to pay particular attention to the diversion in place for HGVs.

For more information visit durham.gov.uk/burnigill