Work has started on a multi-million-pound motorway junction improvement scheme in County Durham.
Durham County Council has begun its major work on junction 61 of the A1(M) at Bowburn ahead of the Integra 61 development, which will see 101 acres of industrial units and 270 new homes constructed in the area.
The £4.5m road scheme, which has been funded by the council, Highways England and Roadchef, will see new lanes constructed and the current lanes widened to increase capacity.
There will also be traffic lights installed at the junction by the Roadchef services to control the flow of traffic around the A688 junction and improve road safety.
As well as industrial units and new homes, the Integra 61 site will have 8.5 acres of retail units including a hotel, car dealership and possibly a care home and GP surgery.
Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager (pictured above), said: “Delays are to be expected so we would like to apologise for any disruption caused and advise drivers to take extra care observing the speed limits and signs on site.”
Junction 61 links the A1M, A177 and A688 south of Bowburn. Durham motorway services is also on this junction, accessed from the A688.
The junction is a key link for businesses, residents and those using the motorway, allowing access to many other parts of the county.
The new developments around the area will see an increase in the number of vehicles using the junction daily.
Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring County Durham is a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
“The Integra 61 development has the potential to attract over 4,000 jobs in the industrial and logistics sector, so it is important that road infrastructure improvements take place as good transport links are crucial when attracting investment to the region.”
The road works are due to be complete by spring 2020. For more information visit durham.gov.uk/junction61.