Motorists warned of disruption in Durham City

Durham County Council is currently installing the £2.5million SCOOT system which will see traffic lights placed on a reconfigured Leazes Bowl roundabout.

These follow lights installed on Gilesgate roundabout earlier in the year as part of a system which it is hopes will result in easier journeys in the future.

Improvements are also being made to both pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Drivers travelling to and from the direction of New Elvet Bridge are being asked to consider alternative routes. This stage will start on Monday and is due to last for up to six weeks.

This phase of works was initially scheduled to last for ten weeks - spanning the summer holidays, however the duration has been minimised by carrying out a lot of this work within

earlier phases, reducing the most disruptive part of the scheme as much as possible.

This stage of the improvements also allow for staff to work on site seven days a week as well as carrying out overnight works.

While this stage of the work is ongoing, several bus services will be using different routes and members of the public are advised to check with their bus operator.

The works are the last phase before the resurfacing of the area which will complete the major works needed for the scheme.

Adrian White, head of transport and contract services, said: “We’re extremely grateful to everyone for their continued patience while we carry out these vital improvements which promise easier journeys in the future.

"We’ve now reached the most disruptive part of the works but, by constantly revising and adapting our approach to help the public, we’ve been able to reduce this stage by a month.”

People can see full details od the roadworks at www.durham.gov.uk/LeazesBowl which includes links to information about bus services, traffic cameras that people can check before setting off and tips to avoid possible delays.