Costs rise for road to ease town traffic woes

Campaigners have been fighting for road improvements to the busy A64 to cut congestion in Malton and its sister community of Norton.

The problem is that the HGV drivers heading for Hull and other Humber ports have to leave the A64 at the existing Brambling Fields interchange.

So for years there have been calls for a second link road to be built further down the A64 near Broughton Road to feed the traffic on to Beverley Road.

The scheme would end the long traffic queues which have plagued Malton for years by allowing much of the heavy traffic to bypass the community. It would also benefit tourism as well as road safety and prevent damage to important buildings.

But a report says the bill for the project has risen sharply with cash-strapped Ryedale Council now facing 2.37m for its share of the development costs, an increase of 420,000 on previous estimates.

The council's Head of Economy Julian Rudd has underlined upgrading the junction was labelled the number one priority six years ago when the road strategy for the twin towns was first agreed.

Removing through traffic from the towns will create a cleaner environment – especially at the notorious Butcher Corner in Malton, which experts have said has a serious air quality problem because of the congestion, as well as road safety risks.

"The project will create conditions for economic success and bring about residential development in the towns, to meet housing needs," Mr Rudd added.

The cost of the scheme to the district council has risen because of changes in the design which has been upgraded. A new roundabout is to be built instead of a T-junction.

The amended scheme will improve safety but will involve more excavation work being carried out, and a more costly lighting scheme provided.