CONGESTION caused by flooding on a vital road link in Ryedale has led to a £250,000 scheme.

Thousands of motorists faced delays during the flooding November 2000, when the A169 Malton to Pickering road, at Howe Bridge, became impassable.

The alleviation project, which is being funded by North Yorkshire County Council, is aiming to raise the level of the carriageway by just under a metre.

Culverts will also be placed beneath the raised section of the road, to allow water to flow freely from the River Rye.

The project is due to get under way next Monday.