THE benefits of a £34.5m bypass have been proven say highway bosses after surveys found traffic going through communities has been cut by thousands.

They also found road crashes reduced, the environment improved and more businesses moved in following the opening of Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar bypass nearly two years ago. Research by North Yorkshire County Council revealed journey times cut by up to five minutes for the 7,000 vehicles using the new road.

Traffic on the old A684 road which was used by14,000 vehicles a day has been reduced by 47 per cent.

Highways say the road has achieved all its objectives with access from the A1M to Leyburn and the Dales to the west and to Northallerton and the east improved. Accidents on the former A684 fell by two thirds in the year following the opening of the bypass, compared to the year before construction and monitoring showed an overall improvement in air quality and a reduction in noise levels. They said reduced traffic and improved average speeds also resulted in lower fuel consumption and therefore lower CO2 emissions.

Businesses in the A684 area increased by ten per cent between 2014 and 2017 which they say is a positive impact for the local economy.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, said: “Local people waited a long time, so I’m pleased this report shows the new road is bringing the benefits residents and road users wanted to see.

“It is an excellent example of the county council’s commitment to improving transport connections across the region, particularly east to west. We were confident it would make a positive difference to residents, businesses and visitors.”

Bedale County Councillor John Weighell said: “It was clear from the start it would benefit business, improving access to Leeming Bar Industrial Estate, open up easier access to the Dales for visitors, and improve road safety and the environment for people living in Bedale, Leeming Bar and Aiskew. I’m glad to see this report confirming those benefits.”

There was concern trade could be hit with through traffic taken out of Bedale. Janet Stevens, who runs the Red House in the Market Place said it has been a mixed bag with some benefitting while others haven’t.

“It depends on business and how much they rely on footfall and people coming through town, but overall there are a lot of ups, the benefits outweigh the negatives. It has made for a better environment and that makes it a more desirable place for visitors. There are a lot of positives to work with,” she added.