Works to carry out essential maintenance for a stretch of the A1 carriageway near Northumberland are to begin this month after the project was postponed in December.

Both the north and southbound carriageways of the A1 between Earsdon and Burgham will be closed each evening from 20:00 to 06:00 GMT from January 8th to 18th, with anyone planning journeys in the area to be aware of potential delays.

Highways Agency project manager Shaun Cullumbine commented: "This is essential maintenance work, which will improve the road surface, enhance the reflectivity of the road markings and improve safety for road users. It will also minimise the need for future work at these locations.

"During the closures drivers should allow extra time when travelling in the area."

He added that the project was originally put on hold as a result of poor weather in December, but this latest rescheduling is expected to deliver the much-needed improvements for travellers in the area that have been long called for.

During the ten-day scheme, all road users will be subject to a round-the-clock 50 mph speed limit in the area, while individuals travelling between the Fenrother Lane junction and Felton junction will need to traverse a set of temporary traffic lights and travel in convoy at no more than 10 mph.

There will be restricted access to affected areas of the A1 for the duration of the project, with several diversions to be in place for individuals planning journeys in the area. It is therefore important all road users pay close attention to signage and follow any directions given to ensure they reach their destination with as little stress as possible.