OFFICIALS will cut the first turf on a £7m road project designed to eradicate an accident blackspot today.

Work will start on the two-and-a-half mile stretch of the A689 between Sedgefield and Wynyard, with the new road expected to open in spring next year.

Following the route of the existing single carriageway, the new road will complete the continuous dual carriageway between Sedgefield and the A19.

Durham County Council leader Councillor Ken Manton and Jim Darlington, director of planning, environment and transport for the Government Office North-East will cut the turf at Cote Nook Farm, on the A689, east of the junction with the A177.

Coun Manton said: "The scheme is part of our long- standing aim to improve the county's east-west routes and links to the A1 (M) and A19. By upgrading what is now a substandard stretch of road, we hope to improve its poor accident record. We also want to open up access, not only to the existing industrial estates and business parks in the centre and west of the county, but also to the new Netpark regional technology park currently being developed on the site of the former Winterton hospital."

In the five years to December 1999, there were 23 injury accidents on the road, including one fatal and two serious injury crashes.

The new road will be landscaped to bring additional environmental benefits, featuring embankments and cuttings planted with trees and shrubs in keeping with the area.

Native hedgerows will also be planted to help blend the road into the landscape.

Wherever possible, the existing hedges will be transplanted.

More than 13,000 vehicles use the road, and it is expected that when it first opens the new one will carry up to 15,000 vehicles a day.