TRAFFIC cones have returned to the A19 on Teesside because of essential resurfacing work.

Taking effect last night, the northbound carriageway will be closed between the A1046 Portrack Lane and A1027 Stockton Ring Road over three weekends.

Autolink, the organisation responsible for the care of the busy route, said resurfacing work will be carried out overnight and Sundays to reduce delays on the two-mile stretch.

A spokesman said drivers should experience only moderate delays.

The closures will run from 8pm on Fridays until 7am on Saturdays and from 8pm on Saturdays until 7am on Mondays. Diversions will be signed with traffic cones and signs in place to warn of closures. There will be a 50mph speed limit.

A19 northbound traffic will be diverted on to the A1046 westbound Portrack Lane, turning right on to the A1305 Maritime Road, continuing on to the A177 Durham Road bypass, then right on to the A1027 Stockton Ring Road, rejoining the A19 at the A19/A1027 Interchange.

Middlesbrough Football Club are playing at home, at the Riverside Stadium on November 7.

Discussions have taken place with Cleveland Police and signs will be in place on the A66 westbound coming out of Middlesbrough to advise motorists of the diversions and closures in place and to suggest that they use the A66 for Stockton.