Major road closing for ice repairs

ANOTHER main artery out of a North Yorkshire town is to be closed for a month as highway chiefs move in to repair extensive damage caused by freezing weather.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Jan 2011, 11:10 BST

Updated 28th Jan 2011, 11:10 BST

North Yorkshire County Council has announced the A684 through Morton-on-Swale and Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, will be shut for four weeks from Monday. Damage was caused by the bad weather over the last two winters.

Earlier this week, the Skipton-on-Swale bridge, which carries the A61 across the River Swale between Thirsk and Ripon, finally re-opened nearly two months behind schedule after contractors were hindered by freezing weather and discovering the repairs needed were more extensive than originally thought.

The council has assured residents contractors will be working up to 14-hour days, seven days a week to ensure the latest repairs are completed on time. Diversions will be in place on the A6136 and the B6271.

Several bus services will only operate a temporary timetable during the closure.

More information is available from operator Dales & District on 01677 425203.