Dualling of A64 moves closer as highway bosses consider four options

THE PROSPECT of one of Yorkshire’s most congested arterial roads becoming a dual carriageway has moved a step closer after highways officials outlined plans for major work on a stretch of the route.

Transport specialists from Highways England recently told local leaders that four detailed options were now being worked up to replace the A64 single carriageway east of Hopgrove junction near York.

The organisation recently concluded that to improve the Hopgrove junction without addressing the adjacent single carriageway would ‘fail to address the aims to improve congestion, safety and resilience on this corridor’.

According to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, three of the four options being assessed for the road would upgrade the A64 to dual carriageway for six miles (9.5km) between Hopgrove junction and the next section of dual carriageway at Barton-le- Willows.

Barry Dodd, chairman of the partnership, said: “Improving the connectivity of the transport network east-west across our area is vital for our growth, and nationally, we must work with everyone to make our united voices heard and make this investment happen.”

Separately, transport Minister Jesse Norman announced a Government investment of almost £200m to help improve the condition of the nation’s roads during a visit to Yorkshire yesterday.

Mr Norman was in York to see the progress of an local pothole spotter trial, where high-definition cameras fitted to bicycles, buses and bin lorries to monitor road conditions.

The scheme gives councils detailed information so they can fill potholes when they occur as well as plan resurfacing works and help prevent potholes and other road defects.