A stretch of County Durham road will be closed for the next six months from Friday (July 15) after council bosses have adjudged the route ‘too unsafe’ for vehicles to use.

Over recent years, part of the B6300, known as Burnigill Bank, next to the east coast main rail line, has been impacted by landslips.

This has caused cracking and damage to the road – and an impact that now needs to be fixed through roadworks and contract repair work.

Read more: B6300 in County Durham to close next month until winter

From Friday (July 15), the road will be fully closed in both directions to allow road contractors to correct the issue.

The road is an important link to the A167 for residents and local businesses and repair work is due to take six months and be complete in December 2022.

Here’s what will be happening:

Why are the works required?

Severe damage to the road surface, including cracking and landslips, has been endured on the B6300 for some time now.

The road has previously remained open with a traffic light system in place already.

The Northern Echo: Cracks have started appearing on the B6300. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOCracks have started appearing on the B6300. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

However, it must close to allow the repair work to be completed both efficiently and for the safety of the public and operatives.

When will the closure be in place to and from?

The road will be closed to all traffic from July 2022 and diversions will be in place, with the council choosing to start the works over the school summer holidays as traffic is lighter at this time of year.

The road will then fully open in December 2022 – six months from now.

The Northern Echo: The road will fully reopen in December 2022. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe road will fully reopen in December 2022. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

What work will be completed?

Major repair works are required to fix the landslip. According to the council, this includes:

  • Excavation of the damaged road surface.
  • Installation of concrete piles to provide structural support to the embankment and the carriageway.
  • Reinforced concrete work to tie the piles together.
  • Carriageway reconstruction works to provide a safe surface for all vehicles to use.

Will diversions be in place?

For cars and vehicles under 4.4m (14 feet 6 inches), the A167 will divert to Neville's Cross then down the A690.

Due to a height restriction in place in Langley Moor due to a rail bridge, vehicles over 4.4m (14 feet 6 inches) must use the A167 to Neville's Cross, A690 to Stonebridge roundabout then B6302 to Esh Winning, then B6301 to Tow Law then back on the B6299 to Stockley Lane, rejoining the A690 at Brancepeth.

Will it cause delays for traffic?

The council have said that delays are likely along the A690 and A167 due to the displacement of the traffic from the B6300, especially on the routes toward and at the junction of Neville's Cross.

They have said: “Please plan your journey to take account of the diversion route and allow extra time for travel.”

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