Ovington bridge collapse repairs 'ahead of schedule'
Work to repair a collapsed bridge which left a village split in two is to be completed ahead of schedule, Durham County Council has said.
Residents of Ovington, near Teesdale, have been faced with a 10-mile detour after the main route to the A67 was cut off by a landslide in December.
The large hole has now been filled and foundations for the bridge and carriageway above have been reinforced.
It is hoped vehicles will have access again from Wednesday 28 August.
It was originally thought the repairs would not be completed until mid-September.
Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at Durham County Council, said: "This has been a major project but I am really pleased with how work has progressed and for the patience of the local community.
"Some temporary traffic management measures will ensure staff can safely finish the project off, while allowing vehicles to cross the bridge again."