FINAL work to the £30m Bridge End roundabout update scheme will be completed by the end of January.

The National Highways led project, which began in 2019, has seen the existing mainline sunk below the roundabout to provide free flowing east-west traffic along the A69 in Hexham.

An 'open for traffic' ceremony was held in October with bosses behind the scheme saying it would improve congestion and reduce journey times along the well-used route.

A new stretch of dual carriageway has been built under the existing roundabout and two bridges have also been constructed to form a new junction.

Long-term traffic management has now been removed but temporary speed restrictions remain in place until the safety barrier is fully complete.

Other outstanding works include the completion of street lighting and minor works on the roundabout, such as off kerbing and gullies, and barrier works.

Landscaping and planting will be carried out when the weather permits it.

"Any outstanding works will be completed under daytime lane closures in January and we are due to complete by the end of the month", confirmed a National Highways spokesperson.

The scheme has attracted considerable debate online with many suggesting other stretches of Tynedale road would have benefitted more from investment.