Over a year of roadworks are set to begin right in the heart of Durham city centre.
The council has announced a £7.5m to upgrade New Elvet Bridge, part of the main artery through the city centre, will begin on July 20.
A full closure will be in place and work could last up to 14 months.
The bridge, which connects the east and west of the city by providing a route over the River Wear, carries an average of 17,000 vehicles a day.
It was constructed in 1975 to remove the need for traffic on Old Elvet Bridge and needs urgent repairs to ensure its long-term future.
Durham County Council has been awarded £4.238 million towards the cost of the project and say it will open up the potential for more development in the city centre.
Councillor Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: "Although there will be major disruption while these works are carried out, it is essential that this work is undertaken.
"We would encourage people to avoid travelling through the city during peak travel times if possible and to plan extra time for their journeys.
"Hopefully, with more people now working from home, it will be easier to manage the delays and disruption during peak times.
"Alongside the improvements to Milburngate and plans for the bus station, these significant repairs to New Elvet Bridge will help to bring about many benefits to Durham and we will still look forward to welcoming more visitors once restrictions start to ease and we start to recover from the effects of the coronavirus."
The upgrade of New Elvet Bridge will see the lifting and supporting of the central section of the bridge whilst work is undertaken on the deck joints, along with extensive concrete repairs. The bridge deck will also be waterproofed and resurfaced to extend the life of the bridge.
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Drainage systems will be improved and the protective coatings to the concrete surfaces will be renewed, giving waterproof protection to the structure and improving the appearance of the bridge.
Recommended diversions from different parts of the county are available on the council’s website: www.durham.gov.uk/newelvet
