DRIVERS are being warned to expect “inevitable delays” as work gets underway to create a new roundabout at an accident blackspot.

Over the last five years, there have been 12 accidents at the T-junction between the A167 and B6300 at Sunderland Bridge, near Durham City all of which involved vehicles turning right and crossing the path of oncoming traffic.

The junction, near the Honest Lawyer Hotel, is now being replaced by a roundabout in a £1.8m project.

The first phase of construction work has now started and is expected to last eight weeks, with motorists on the busy commuter route being warned to expect delays.

A report compiled by Durham County Council revealed that about 20,000 vehicles use the A167 and more than 5,200 vehicles travel on the B6300 every day.

Some drivers avoid the junction due to the difficulty of pulling out into traffic while others are tempted to turn around in the hotel and pull back out onto the busy A167.

As well as reducing delays and improving safety, the council believes the scheme will also make it easier to access the nearby Meadowfield Industrial Estate and encourage more businesses to locate there.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We’re delighted that these works are now underway and we look forward to delivering a huge improvement to a junction which has caused difficulty for motorists for many years.”

Initial work includes transporting material onto site to build an earth embankment at the roadside. Due to the nature of the soft ground next to the river, this material will have to stand for three months to allow it to settle.

For four weeks starting on October 26, temporary traffic management measures will be force on the including a 30mph speed limit, a lane closure on the A167 and temporary closure of the bus stop at The Honest Lawyer, with passengers asked to use an alternative in Croxdale Village.

Traffic will not be allowed to turn right in and out of the Honest Lawyer, with diversions in place via the Cock o’ the North and Croxdale roundabouts.

Adrian White, head of transport and contract services at Durham County Council, said: “This project is part of our ongoing highways improvements programme and commitment to upgrading and maintaining the county’s roads.

“Inevitably there will be delays but we will be doing our best to keep these to a minimum and we are very grateful for motorists’ patience and cooperation while these important works are carried out.”

The second stage of the project is due to start early next year and construction of the roundabout should be completed by autumn 2015.