Drivers could face 80 mile diversion within County Durham

Over the next week, motorists using the roads towards Wearhead, St John's Chapel, and Stanhope in County Durham might find a diversion route towards Alston, in Cumbria, is in place.

Due to emergency repair works on Front Street in Alston, roadwork maps show that there will be an 81-mile (two-hour) diversion route in place.

A diversion sign (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) On UK roadwork maps, the emergency repairs and diversion will be in place until October 16 - but this could differ depending on the progress made by contractors. 

Information about the closure says: "Notice is given, that because of the likelihood of danger to the public, as a result of a burst water main, Westmorland and Furness Council hereby prohibits the passage of all traffic along that section of Front Street, from its junction with The Butts, extending in a south-easterly direction for a distance of approx. 45 metres.

The diversion route (Image: UK ROADWORKS) "This notice will be in force for a period of up to 21 days from October 10, 2024, as and when the relevant signs are displayed.

"It is anticipated that the restriction will be required for seven days. A suitable alternative route for all will be available via the A68, A69, A686 and the unrestricted section of the A689."

The notice added: "Due to the nature of the works it is not possible to maintain access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists through the extent of the temporary road closure.

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"Access for Emergency Vehicles will not be maintained where required for the duration of these works."

While other routes will be available to drivers throughout this closure, the 80-mile route stretches towards Hexham, Corbridge, before travelling towards Consett and Tow Law. 

The full diversion route is available here.

*These diversions are in place during the time of writing on October 11, and drivers should check all diversions and routes - including if there is faster routes available*.