Roads (North Yorkshire) (Hansard, 29 February 2000)

§ Mr. Hill

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Peter Nutt to Miss Anne McIntosh, dated 29 February 2000: Trunk Road Improvements—North Yorkshire The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions. You asked "what proposals he has to assist motor traffic circulation in North Yorkshire during the course of 2000" and "what plans he has for trunk road improvements in North Yorkshire". The counties' Local Transport Plan will include policies and proposals to assist motor traffic in North Yorkshire. Information on the plan can be obtained from the County Council. The Highways Agency is progressing the following trunk road improvement proposals in North Yorkshire. All of these projects will contribute to improving traffic flows in North Yorkshire taking account of the needs of both road users and those affected by our roads.

A63 Selby Bypass Is in the Targeted Programme of Improvements schemes and progress is being made towards a start of works during 2001–2002. In addition, we are developing a small bypass scheme on the A63 Osgodby costing about £1 million. Subject to satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, the scheme could be taken forward in conjunction with the A63 Selby Bypass.

A1(M) Wetherby to Washforth We are taking forward the next major Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) project on the A1 between Darrington and Dishforth. This project includes in North Yorkshire, a scheme to improve the A1 to dual three lane carriageway between Wetherby and Walshforth. Start of construction is planned for Spring 2003.

A1 Rainton As promised in previous correspondence, we are reviewing the need for street lighting at Rainton crossroads. If this is found to be needed it will be undertaken in 2000–2001.

A1 Between Bramham and Barton A safety study has started which will investigate safety problems between Bramham and Barton on the A1, and will consolidate previous work, consider options and recommend an improvement strategy for the A1. The report is due in Autumn 2000. Depending on the findings, the report recommendations may need to be referred to the Regional Planning Body to consider compatibility with emerging Regional Planning Guidance and the Regional Transport Strategy.

A66 Safety Study A safety study is about to start to investigate the poor safety record on this route between Scotch Corner and Penrith. The study will recommend options for improving safety. It is due to report in Autumn 2000. Again, depending on the findings, the recommendations may need to be referred to the Regional Planning Body to consider compatibility with emerging Regional Planning Guidance and the Regional Transport Strategy. 191W We are already developing two schemes to address known safety problems on the A66. These will provide two short lengths of dual carriageway on the A66 between Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank and Carkin to Scotch Corner.

A64 Trunk Road (A1 Bramham to Scarborough) A Route Improvement Strategy for improving safety on the A64 between the A1 and Scarborough has recently been put to the Regional Planning Forum for Yorkshire and the Humber for their agreement. The Strategy includes the following improvement proposals:

A1 to York Subject to satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, schemes could start as follows: A64 Top Lane Improvement—March 2001—to remove traffic signals A64 Bilborough Top Improvement—2002–2003—provision of new junction to enable gaps in the central reservation to be closed. A64 Tadcaster Bar Improvement—2002–2003—improvement to existing junction to enable gaps in the central reservation to be closed.

York to Scarborough Public consultation could start during 2000 on the following schemes: A64 Barton Hill Junction—options for a two level junction are being investigated A64 Whitwell on the Hill Junctions—options for a two level junction are being investigated A64 Whitwell to Malton By Pass—options for a two level junction and possible dual carriageway are being investigated A64 Rillington By Pass—options for a bypass are being investigated including a review of the previous bypass scheme.

In the meantime, beneficial low cost (less than £100,000) safety schemes such as improved signing and lining, red surfacing, small-scale junction improvements and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be identified and implemented on this route. Schemes of this nature will be undertaken in 2000–2001 at the following locations:

A64 Hopgrove Roundabout
A64 North Lane to Hazelbush
A64 Hazelbush to Lobster House
A64 Lobster House to Flamingoland
A64 Whitwell
A64 Malton Bypass
A64 Brambling Fields to Rillington
A64 Rilling to East Knapton
A64 East Knapton to Sherburn
A64 Sherburn Gateways
A64 Serburn to Saxton
A64 Staxton to Musham Bank
A64 Musham Bank to Queen Mary Roundabout
A64 Whitwell to Malton
A64 York Bypass
A1237 Rawcliffe Roundabout

Safety and congestion problems are being addressed along with provision for a Park and Ride facility in partnership with York City Council

Traffic Calming

In addition we will be undertaking the following four traffic calming schemes. Whilst these will not assist in improving traffic flows, they are being taken forward in the interests of safety, environmental improvements and accessibility for non-road users. 192W

A63 Thorpe Willoughby
A63 Cliffe
A63 Hemingborough
A63 Hambleton

Should you require any further information, please contact Kevin Lasbury, Divisional Director for Norther Region, on 0113 283 6405.