ONE of the region's main routes will be closed temporarily next week for essential maintenance.

However, work on the A66, at Surtees Bridge, Stockton, will take place overnight and is to be staggered to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.

The eastbound carriageway will be closed from 7pm on Tuesday and will re-open at 6am the following day.

On Wednesday, the westbound carriageway will close from 7pm and all the work is expected to be completed by 6am on Thursday. Diversions will be in place. Engineers will be replacing failed expansion joint units at the west end of the bridge deck.

Steve Bishop, of the Highways Agency, said: "These units are vital for creating a running surface over the expansion gap between the end of the bridge and the abutments, and for allowing changes in the size of the gap without damage to the road.

"We need to carry out replacement work immediately to ensure the continued safety of all A66 road users and as part of our ongoing maintenance programme.

"We don't envisage any disruption to drivers' journeys, but we do apologise for any inconvenience if they encounter any delays."