MOTORISTS can finally enjoy an uninterrupted journey along the A1(M) in North Yorkshire as the motorway is now fully open.

Highways England opened a two-mile stretch of the newly-upgraded road from junction 51 at Catterick last night and have removed all traffic management.

The news will be welcomed by the thousands of motorists intending to use the route to make the most of the long Bank Holiday weekend.

However, although works to the carriageway are complete, there is still more to do in terms of lighting, signage and landscaping around the newly upgraded section.

The Northern Echo:

The final section of the A1 upgrade near to Catterick to be fully opened after a delay to completion of the now three-lane stretch between Bedale and Barton. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

This will lead to further road closures in the coming weeks but they will take place overnight to minimise disruption.

The overall upgrade project started in March 2014 and was due to be completed last spring but major archaeological works were among the factors that led to delays.

Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond, which is accessed off the A1 said: “The delay to the completion of this £380m scheme has been frustrating both for users of the road and the neighbouring communities and I have been in regular contact with Highways England throughout this period to ensure the delay was kept to the minimum.

“But we do now have a superb new road completing the motorway link between London and Newcastle which will boost the local and the regional economy.”