WORK has started on a bridge which provides a gateway to north Durham.
North Lodge Parish Council initiated the project to repaint the bridge in North Road, leading from Birtley into Chester-le-Street.
The scheme has been made possible by a working partnership with Durham County Council, Chester-le-Street District Council, and sustainable transport charity Sustrans, with a generous donation from Arizona Chemical.
Work includes grit blasting the existing paintwork - blue with red crosses - from the bridge's structure.
To enhance the historic features of the bridge, three St Cuthbert's crosses will be painted on both sides.
The C2C is being resurfaced on the bridge, while a new ramp will be created leading on to the bridge. The work may cause some disruption to traffic in North Road, as there is a two-way lights system in operation. Work is expected to be completed by Monday, February 26.
North Lodge parish council chairman Councillor Margaret Caygill said: "The parish council looks forward to the improvement this will make to this northern entrance to the county, district and parish.
"The chosen design depicts our historical links with St Cuthbert."
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