ROAD closures will be in place this weekend (July 4-6) as vital resurfacing takes place on a major road route.

Workers from Durham County Council’s highways team are due to resurface the A167 at Merryoaks, in Durham City, between Percy Square and Douglas Gardens between Friday and Sunday.

Traffic will be limited on the A167 during the works, with a convoy system in place to escort vehicles through the stretch.

Also, Lowes Barn Bank, off the A167, towards Stonebridge, and Potters Bank, towards the city centre, will be completely closed.

A council spokesman said: “Lowes Barn Bank and Potters Bank will be closed to prevent access to and from the A167 to allow the convoy system to operate safely.”

During the closure of Lowes Barn Bank, a diversion will be in place via the A690 Neville’s Cross Bank and the A167 Darlington Road.

While Potters Bank is closed, a diversion will be in place via the A167, A177 South Road and Elvet Hill Road.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “While we recognise that there may be some disruption, these resurfacing works are vital and will benefit residents and road users in the long term.”

The council’s County Durham Plan envisages a Western Bypass taking traffic off the A167, linking the B6302 near Stonebridge to the A691 at Sniperley.