“MISLEADING” signs on the A66 near Stockton mean Teesside drivers have racked up thousands of extra miles, it is claimed.

Resurfacing is being carried out by the Highways Agency in both directions on the main artery road close to the Yarm and Eaglescliffe junctions.

But diversion signs along the westbound A66 fail to inform drivers that the Eaglescliffe junction is closed, meaning they rack up an extra five miles each journey if they follow the approved route.

The Highways Agency said the diversion route was chosen to safely accommodate the volume and type of traffic on the route.

But broadcaster and Middlesbrough FC announcer Mark Page, who lives in Stockton, said: “The roadworks signs are missing vital information.

“Heading westbound on the A66 as you approach the roadworks you are given two signed options, one for Yarm Road only and the other A66 westbound – but the second option fails to tell you that the next junction, for Eaglescliffe, is closed.”

He said the diversion then ignores the next available sliproad and instead takes motorists off at the second Long Newton junction, two sliproads on from Eaglescliffe.

“These blunders have racked up thousands of unnecessary miles for Teesside drivers already,” said Mr Page.

"Once you have learned your lesson the hard way, next time you can take the Yarm Road turning to access Eaglescliffe.

“This is yet another example of poor and indeed negligent signposting by Highways Agency contractors on the A66 in recent years and shows no local knowledge and lack of consideration to Teesside's drivers.

“In October the gridlock created by these roadworks was helped by minimal advance signage.

“It seems that the contractors weren't prepared to let anyone plan a different route, with the signage commencing just as you hit the roadworks or indeed the gridlock. I would like to see our local councils being more pro-active on behalf of its residents when something so major is affecting local residents."

A Highways Agency spokesperson said: “This weekend diversion has been agreed with the local authority and takes drivers along roads which can safely accommodate the type and volume of traffic which would otherwise use the A66.

"We appreciate local drivers will often use alternative routes to the ones signed however the signed diversion must be the most appropriate for the traffic being re-directed.”

The roadworks started on October 24 and are in place for six weeks, with night-time and weekend contraflows and a temporary 50mph restriction in operation.