Councillors to consider report on traffic plans to tackle congestion

PLANS FOR the biggest shakeup of traffic management in two congested towns in North Yorkshire are to go before councillors tonight with the aim of helping to combat long queues and high air pollution at a potential cost of millions of pounds.

North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council have had the biggest ever traffic improvement study carried out in Malton and Norton by leading national civil engineering firm and consultancy, WSP.

The research spells out shortterm and longer term improvements, says Gary Housden, the district authority’s services lead officer.

Described as an infrastructure and connectivity improvement study, it details an option of the building of a new bridge and walkway over the busy York to Scarborough rail line.

A number of improvements specialist are envisaged over a two-year period in the study, including upgrading bus services and other improvements estimated to cost between £150,000 and £300,000, while building a bridge and walkway over the railway line near Malton Station would cost from £1.5m to £3m.

The new bridge is scheduled for construction over two to five years, as is a scheme to improve footpath and cycle links, and a car parking strategy.

In his report, Mr Housden has claimed that the improvements are needed to enable Malton and Norton to cope with congestion.

They are, he adds, in line with the Ryedale Economic Action Plan to help boost the area’s economies through thriving businesses.

A special cross-authority officer group has been set up to help progress the traffic scheme for the two towns.