This is what the A69 will look like after work is carried out on two major junctions between Newcastle and Hexham.

Highways England says drivers travelling on the route between Newcastle and Carlisle will no longer have their journeys interrupted once the £30m project is complete.

The work, due to start in March 2019 and scheduled to finish a year later, will improve the junctions at Bridge End and Styford, highways bosses say.

There will then be 18 miles of continuous dual carriageway on the section between Newcastle and Hexham.

How the Styford junction will look after the improvements on the A69
How the Styford junction will look after the improvements on the A69

Highways England project manager, Russell Mclean, said: “The A69 is an important route between Newcastle and Carlisle which often sees delays at these two junctions.

“This £30m investment will mean that drivers will be able to drive the 18 miles between Hexham and Newcastle without stopping at any junctions, improving journeys for drivers and reducing congestion.

“At Styford, the A69 will be built over the roundabout and at Bridge End the A69 will go underneath.

“Our proposals will also incorporate new bridges as well as upgrading the existing roundabouts where required.

How the Bridge End junction will look after the improvements on the A69
How the Bridge End junction will look after the improvements on the A69

“Both junctions will be built at the same time so that any material removed from the Bridge End underpass can be used on the Styford overbridge, meaning there will be as little waste as possible.”

Two public drop-in events were held in Newton and Acomb where people were able to find out more about the scheme.

One was held in Newton on Tuesday and the second was to take place on Wednesday at Acomb Village Hall, Millersfield, Hexham, between 9am and 7pm.

Highways England said some site work, such as clearing vegetation and relocating utility cables, will start this year. However the main construction work will begin in March 2019.