FOUR bridges crossing the A1(M) and part of the motorway itself are to undergo a £1.5m refurbishment, starting today.

Resurfacing work, expected to last three weeks, begins tonight at the A1(M) interchanges with the A68 at Burtree, and the A167 at Coatham, near Darlington.

On completion, work will transfer to the bridges, running through until March 2001.

Highways Agency team leader Chris Holehouse said the safety fences at the edge of the bridges crossing the A1(M) will be repaired and strengthened.

He said: "While we are doing this we have decided to carry out other work, which will significantly increase the life span of the bridges.

"The bridge work will have little effect on motorway traffic, but will cause some disruption on the roundabouts above.

"Both interchanges carry heavy traffic flows, and we shall aim, as far as possible, to maintain two lanes, especially at peak times," he said