WORK is to resume on a £1.8m project to build a new roundabout at an accident blackspot T-junction.

The first phase of work on the scheme to build a roundabout at the junction of the A167 and B6300 at Sunderland Bridge, next to the Honest Lawyer Hotel, south of Durham City, was completed in December.

Huge earth embankments were built on both sides of the A167. Work paused because, due to the soft nature of the ground next to the River Wear, the imported earth – 8,779 cubic metres in all – had to be left to stand and settle for three months.

Building work on the roundabout itself will begin on Tuesday, April 7, and last for six months.

Preliminary work to divert utilities has already started.

During the work, there will be a 30mph limit on the A167 and B6300.

Vehicles will not be permitted to turn right into or out of the A167/B6300 junction or turn right off the A167 northbound into the Honest Lawyer Hotel. Diversions will be in place.

Two bus stops outside the hotel will be temporarily suspended and passengers are advised to use alternative stops at Croxdale or further north on the A167.

Adrian White, head of transport and contract services at Durham County Council, said: “This new roundabout is essential because there have been a number of accidents at the junction in the last five years, all of which have involved vehicles turning right and crossing oncoming traffic.

“We would advise motorists that their journeys are likely to take longer than usual during the work and we appreciate their patience while these vital improvements are carried out.”

The work will overlap with a £1m refurbishment of Milburngate Bridge in Durham City, which is scheduled to last for seven weeks from Sunday, July 12.

However, the council says the Sunderland Bridge work may be suspended if there are high levels of congestion on the A167.