Motorists can expect traffic chaos on Teesside with the Newport Bridge closing today for seven weeks.

The vital route over the Tees will be closed to all vehicles until mid-August from today (July 8) for repair and maintenance works.

The £1.5m scheme will see joins and bearings replaced, new drainage installed, the road resurfaced and waterproofing work carried out.

The A1032 will be closed between the Newport roundabout and Portrack interchange for the length of the works. Pedestrian access to the bridge will remain.

Signed traffic diversions will be in place, with drivers having to use the A19 to cross the river instead of the ageing crossing.

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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Reuben Kench from Stockton Council, which is doing the work jointly with Middlesbrough Council, 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."