Major roadworks in Durham City to be suspended during the festive period

Work to install new paving and alter the layout of North Road, in preparation for a new bus station, began in October and is expected to take about six months to complete.

However, the initiative is to be put on hold from Wednesday, November 30, to Wednesday, January 4, in order to support traders during the busy festive period.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “Work in North Road is progressing and we are pleased with what has been achieved so far.

“We have been working with retailers to ensure it has been business as usual – with all shops remaining accessible throughout the improvements. However, we also planned in the Christmas break in work in order to give businesses an extra boost.

“Bus and taxi services will also be temporarily returning to normal to assist shoppers and visitors.

“Once again, we would like to thank the public and retailers on North Road for their patience.”

The improvement work is part of Durham County Council’s £1.84million programme to upgrade roads and footpaths around Durham City over the next two years.

The scheme will see the current paving replaced with more attractive and durable stone, while the layout of the road will be altered in order to improve traffic flow and make the area safer for pedestrians.