Scheme to improve a dangerous Dales road is unveiled

PLANS ARE being drawn up to improve safety on one of the key routes through the Yorkshire Dales.

North Yorkshire County Council is consulting on plans for a series of works on the A684, which is regarded as a dangerous road.

The work will be financed by the Government’s Safer Roads Fund, which seeks to address issues on the 50 A roads identified by Ministers as having the highest-risk of serious collisions in the country.

Coun Don Mackenzie, the council’s executive member for access, said: “The A684 is a vital route for residents, businesses and visitors, as it provides a gateway to the Dales and an important east to west connection for the county.

“We need to move ahead with the consultations on these proposals now, because delay could put our funding at risk.”

The schemes out to consultation include a number of proposals for Hawes town centre, including a new footway and new parking arrangements.

The proposals also include a new signal crossing at the junction of the A684 and The Hill, and removing or changing the oneway system and introducing signals.

In Leyburn, a new mini-roundabout at the junction of the A684 and Brentwood and changes to the layout of the High Street roundabout are also being proposed. Improvements to lay-bys at locations including Hawes, Leyburn, Middleham, Crakehall, Wensleydale and Yordale are being put forward.

Details of the plans are available online as part of the consultation at www.northyorks.gov.uk/ safer-roads-fund