A major bridge route in Teesside will close over the summer after it was discovered major maintenance works need to be carried out.  

Newport Bridge, which carries traffic over the River Tees from Middlesbrough to Stockton, will temporarily close on Monday, July 8. 

Works are expected to last for around seven weeks. 

The maintenance, carried out by Balfour Beatty, will include bridge joint and bearing replacement, new drainage channels, waterproofing and carriageway resurfacing.

Throughout the works, the A1032 from Newport roundabout to Portrack interchange will be closed to traffic. Pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge. 

Signed traffic diversions will be in place, with access maintained for businesses only.

From the Portrack interchange, traffic should follow the signed diversion onto A19 southbound, exit to A66 eastbound for Middlesbrough, and then exit A66 eastbound to Newport roundabout.

Traffic from Newport roundabout will be signed via a reverse route.

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The project, which in total will be costing around £1.5million, is a joint venture between Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council.

Reuben Kench, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Director of Community Services, Environment and Culture, said: "Newport Bridge is an iconic structure and is now 90 years old, so it's little surprise that these maintenance works are required.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience the closure will cause for residents in our Borough and in Middlesbrough. Please stay tuned to our social media channels for any further updates on the works."