A £34.5m bypass opened seven years ago and used by more than 7,000 vehicles a day is to undergo maintenance works, with disruption expected until August.
The Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar bypass cuts journey times by five minutes and improves east-west connectivity, particularly from the A1(M). North Yorkshire Council said it has resulted in improved road safety as heavy traffic is diverted away from rural communities.
The 4.8-kilometre single carriageway bypass linking the A684 north of Bedale and the A684 east of Leeming Bar opened two months ahead of schedule in August 2016.
It came in £7.5m under budget from contractors Wills Brothers Ltd, which will be carrying out and paying for the upcoming works to maintain bridge bearings.
The council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan said: “The construction of Bedale bypass was one of the council’s biggest highways schemes in recent years and demonstrates our commitment to improving transport connections across the region.
“It has been hailed a success by road users as well as locals. We have seen traffic through Bedale half since its opening, and air quality has improved in surrounding communities.”
Contractors will begin the work on Tuesday, May 9, and it will last until mid-August. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation on the A684 over Holmfield Bridge on the east of the A1(M) for the full four months, and Rectory Wood Bridge on the west side of the A1(M) from the end of July into August.
Two overnight road closures will be required between Leases Link Road and Northallerton Road with signed diversions in place. Dates will be confirmed as the works progress.
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Cllr Duncan added: “The majority of the upcoming works will be carried out to the underneath of both bridges, however, one lane closure is required.
“We apologise in advance for the potential disruption and ask the public for their patience. The works are essential for the long-term maintenance of the vital bypass road.”
For live updates of the works, visit North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map at www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-map.
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