DRIVERS commuting across the North-East and into North Yorkshire are being advised to plan their journeys as the 45-year-old Tees Viaduct is set to undergo work.

Highways England have reissued warnings to thousands of motorists ahead of "vital repair work" that is being carried out on the A19 bridge, staring tonight and into April.

The roads agency said due to the layout of the road and nature of the work, repairs can only be carried out safely if one of the A19 carriageways is shut.

It said by shutting the road fully in one direction, Highways England's engineers can work to complete the job in time for the working week.

Here's when it will be closed:

Friday, March 6 (tonight) at 9pm until 6am on Monday, March 9 - Northbound carriageway

Friday, March 20 at 9pm until 6am on Monday, March 31 - Southbound carriageway

Friday, March 27 at 9pm until 6am on Monday, March 30 - Southbound carriageway

Friday, April 17 at 9pm until 6am on Monday, April 20 - Nouthbound carriageway

Diversions:

The main northbound diversion is the A66 eastbound to A66/A1032 (Cannon Park), Newport Bridge and rejoining the A19 at A1046 (Haverton Hill/Portrack).

The southbound diversion is the reverse of the northbound closure.

Senior project manager Ben Dobson said: “We understand a weekend closure will cause disruption, and I'd like to thank people for their patience.

"Safety is our top priority and it’s crucial we take measures to stop the structure deteriorating to a point that it could become a safety issue.

“Traffic is likely to be at its busiest from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, so we would advise drivers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.”