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Improvement works will get underway on a strategic highway in South Tyneside next month.

The A194 is set to benefit from works which will enhance safety; cut congestion and reduce journey times, and improve air quality.

Signalised crossing facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will also be introduced.

A series of improvements are planned on the stretch of road between the Whitemare Pool and Lindisfarne roundabouts.

These will include full signalisation of the Mill Lane roundabout, realignment of the carriageway at one-lane pinchpoints and increasing stacking capacity at the Whitemare Pool roundabout.

Drainage, safety barriers and street lighting will also be upgraded, and the road will be resurfaced.

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Transport, said: "The A194 is a key gateway and commuter route in and out of South Tyneside.

"We, in consultation with Highways England, have identified the need for improvements to the carriageway and junctions along a stretch of the road.

"These will help traffic flow, cut journey times and congestion, enhance safety and improve air quality, as well as increasing the efficiency of the wider road network.

"Disruption will be minimal as two lanes will remain open where possible, with any necessary lane closures carried out overnight. We thank drivers in advance for their patience."

Residents living in the vicinity will receive a letter about the scheme.

The council's in-house team will carry out the works, which are scheduled to start in mid-July and complete early next year.

Cllr Foreman added: "Investing in the built environment is one of the council's core priorities, and we will continue to deliver major infrastructure schemes such as this to support economic growth."

For further information about the scheme, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/A194