A major road in County Durham has today closed for six months as important remedial work takes place. 

The B6300, known as Burnigill Bank, has today closed to all traffic in both directions following reports of landslips and damage to the road.

Up until recently, a temporary traffic light system was in place while one lane was shut to all road users.

Read more: Major County Durham road shut for six months because it's 'too unsafe'

However, Durham County Council has now explained why this arrangement has come to an end and the road has been shut completely.

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

A statement said: "The road has remained open with a traffic light system in place for some time now.

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

Read more: Teacher at Aycliffe's Woodham Academy banned for kissing girl and pervy remarks

"Piling rigs must be used which are very large, heavy pieces of machinery and are wider than one road lane.

"A temporary platform must also be built to allow the carriageway to safely support the rigs. There is limited space on and around the carriageway.

"Therefore, large pieces of machinery, equipment and a substantial amount of material which is needed to complete the job must be stored directly on the road for the duration of the work."

The Northern Echo: Over recent years, part of the B6300, known as Burnigill Bank, next to the east coast main rail line, has been impacted by landslips. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOOver recent years, part of the B6300, known as Burnigill Bank, next to the east coast main rail line, has been impacted by landslips. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

What diversions are in place from today?

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.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054