Teesside road bridge closed when cracks appeared following heavy rain will not reopen until at least July.

Leven Bank Bridge was shut at the end of February after divers found there had been a severe loss of sediment under the structure.

Work carried out so far has included measures to strengthen the foundations, according to Stockton Council.

The authority has apologised to commuters and local businesses but said public safety was its priority.

Richard McGuckin, head of technical services at the council, said: "People will think it's taking a long time but we are on with the work and we're still hopeful for a July finish.

Roosting bats

"The important thing was that we got the plans right and that we get this bridge fixed and we don't come back here in 18 months to find there are more problems."

Drivers have been told to use alternative routes while repairs are carried out.

The closure is mainly affecting motorists travelling between Yarm, Middlesbrough and Ingleby Barwick, though the Co-op petrol station in nearby Low Lane has reported a drop in sales.

Bats have been found roosting in the bridge's northern arch but have not caused any delays and do not appear to have been disturbed by the repair work, said Mr McGuckin.