THE next phase in the long run to improve road safety on the A66 at Longnewton is about to begin.

The Highways Agency is to publish legal notices detailing the £6.2m improvement scheme, its effects on traffic during construction and how to pass on any comments.

The scheme will see the construction of a slip road with either an underpass or flyover to gain access to Longnewton, the closure of two existing junctions, ten central reserve gaps and 20 private access points.

It should also improve access to Teesside Airport.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency, said: "If there are no objections to the scheme during the public consultation process, then we are looking at a start date of summer 2004."

Last month, the Arriva bus company took police advice and stopped the direct service from Darlington to Longnewton because of the dangers crossing the A66.

Mike Barber, Arriva's commercial director said: "On police advice we changed the direct 74 Teesside Airport service which uses the A67, and diverted it through Longnewton.

"When, and if, this junction work is completed we will look to restore a direct link again.