North Yorkshire bypass plans move forward

Date: 1/4/2010

Plans for a new bypass in North Yorkshire have been given government approval, the Department for Transport has stated.

The 4.8 mile road will link the A684 with the A1 (M), bypassing the towns of Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar.

It is hoped the new road will remove up to 60 per cent of traffic from the current road.

At present, this road carries 14,000 vehicles a day at its busiest point.

The new road will cost £38 million, £33.4 million of which will be provided by the Department for Transport.

The remaining funds will be provided by North Yorkshire County Council.

Congestion and pollution levels should be cut once the road is complete and road safety is likely to be improved.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan commented: "The scheme will also improve safety for residents in Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar - particularly pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders - and increase the reliability of public transport in the area."

The area is also to benefit from an extension to the Park and Ride scheme around York city centre, the department has also recently revealed.