A WOMAN died when a car hit a concrete barrier on a notorious stretch of road where safety improvements are being carried out.

Passenger Susannah Rose Hinnigin, 25, of Stocksmoor Close, Darlington, died when the Ford Mondeo struck a concrete block, left the road and hit a fence and tree.

The accident happened on the A167, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at 6.45am on Saturday.

Miss Hinnigin's 38-year-old boyfriend, who has not been named, was driving along the north-bound carriageway, near the Gretna Green pub, when the accident happened.

He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

A 40mph limit is in force on the road while Durham County Council carries out road improvements and safety measures.

The work involves reducing the road to single carriageway on both sides and doubling the width of the central reservation.

The effect will be to slow traffic and make it easier for cars turning right out of the road next to the Gretna Green. It will also improve safety for pedestrians crossing the main road.

Family and friends of 16-year-old Sarah Temple, who died last June two days after she was hit by a car while crossing the A167, were instrumental in having the safety measures introduced.

Parents Stephen and Brenda gathered 9,000-signatures on a petition calling for a crossing, which they presented to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Although the council ruled out a crossing because of the speed and volume of the traffic, Mr and Mrs Temple were pleased that highways officials decided to carry out the safety work.

County councillors for Newton Aycliffe, Bill Blenkinsopp and Terry Hogan, who worked with Mr and Mrs Temple on their campaign, said it was tragic that the measures proved too late to prevent another tragedy on the A167.

Coun Blenkinsopp said: "It is an absolute tragedy that this has happened but the extensive improvements are being done to prevent exactly this happening."

* Anyone who saw the accident is asked to call the accident investigation unit on 0191-375 2159 or 386 4929.