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Drivers have been warned they face disruption as a £7m roundabout overhaul gets under way.

Durham County Council said the work would involve widening the A167/A689 Rushyford roundabout to three lanes and improving its layout.

It would boost road capacity allowing for the development of 1,400 new homes at Low Copelaw, a spokeswoman said.

She apologised for any disruption and said the "necessary" work was due to be completed later in the year.

The authority said the work at the A167's Central Avenue junction would include building a link road to provide access to the future housing site, as well as improved pedestrian crossings.

New traffic lights are also set to be introduced at the A167's Ricknall Lane junction, while 1,000 trees and hundreds of shrubs and hedges have also been planned.

The council said it had secured £7m from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) for the scheme.

Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Though these upgrades will ensure we can keep traffic moving in the long-term, there will inevitably be some disruption in the short-term.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and thank people for their patience while we deliver this important project."

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