A scheme to reduce traffic congestion in a popular retail area on the outskirts of Durham has reached the next phase.

Last September, Durham County Council began work to improve the road layout in Dragonville, near Gilesgate, to provide access to new retail facilities and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the area.

The scheme is progressing well and next week work will begin to create a new signalised junction linking Damson Way to the A181 Sherburn Road.

In recent years, Dragonville has seen a range of new developments including the Durham City Retail Park, which has meant there has been an increase in the number of vehicles using the A181, Dragon Lane and Sunderland Road.

To reduce congestion caused by the increased traffic, a continuous link between Renny’s Lane and the A181 will be created. The route will follow the line of Damson Way with a new link road being built to connect to Renny’s Lane in the north and a new junction between Damson Way and the A181 Sherburn Road to the south.

Work on the link road is well underway, with new utilities installed and foundations laid for the road and footpaths. As this has taken place off the main road network, there has been minimal impact on the surrounding highways.

On Monday 27 January, work will start on the signalised junction. As these works will involve changes to the existing road layout, temporary traffic lights will be installed to ensure the safety of road users and staff working on the site. Closures may be required as the work progresses and will be advertised in advance.

The improvements are expected to be completed in the spring.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “This scheme will deliver real benefits to what has become a thriving part of County Durham, and I am delighted to see so much progress has been made.

“More than 3,000 people work in the Dragonville area and this number is likely to grow as more businesses invest in the area.

“This work will ease congestion and delays on the highway network, as well as enhancing air quality and providing better facilities for more sustainable travel options, such as walking and cycling.”

Dave Wafer, strategic traffic manager at Durham County Council, said: “We will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum during the works and would like to thank members of the public for their patience.”

For more information about the scheme, visit www.durham.gov.uk/dragonville