THE first section of a one-way traffic system will open this weekend following months of work.

Engineers from Stockton Borough Council will reopen the section of Church Road between the Simon Bailes and Reg Vardy car showrooms tomorrow.

The reopening of this section marks the first step towards the completion of the new traffic system in the town's Maritime Road/Church Road.

Designed to reduce delays, the new road is expected to improve traffic flows and safety at the junction.

The new system is being introduced to allow access to the new North Shore development. The 56-acre £300m waterfront development will revive the stretch of the River Tees east of Stockton town centre and will include new homes, offices and leisure facilities.

Following Sunday's reopening, traffic will be able to get to Teesdale from the north, although for the first few weeks, traffic exiting the Princess of Wales Bridge from Teesdale can only do so by turning left.

Traffic leaving the town centre via Church Road will be diverted along Maritime Road and Portrack Lane.

Further diversions will be in place from early next month, however they will be timed to avoid the busy Stockton International Riverside Festival in early August.

The council has written explaining the changes to hundreds of residents and businesses, many of whom have complained of loss of trade due to the roadworks.