The A69 Bridge End Roundabout is on track to open to traffic this summer, Highways England have confirmed.

Alek James, project manager, said: “The work is progressing well and we are still on track to open to traffic this summer.

“We’ll be opening the circulatory carriageway on the roundabout first and the mainline A69 will follow shortly after.

“Dates will be confirmed nearer the time.”

After the summer’s opening to traffic, landscaping and planting (including some wildflowers native to the area) will be carried out, with all traffic management removed by the autumn.

Work on the £30m project began in January 2020.

The work is part of an overall aim to create continuous dual carriageway from Newcastle to Hexham.

Highways England have said the scheme will improve safety, reduce congestion, support economic growth and enhance access from the A69 into the town.