News
Plans for upgrade of 24-mile stretch of the A1 is unveiled
Monday 06 October 2008
PLANS to upgrade a 24-mile stretch of the A1 to a three-lane motorway have reached an important milestone with the publication of details for the scheme.
The new motorway, between Dishforth and Barton, is to be built in two phases – starting at the southern end with the stretch from Dishforth to Leeming.
The scheme is the last section of A1 motorway to be built between the M25 and Tyneside.
PublADVERTISEMENTication of the ‘Made Orders’ document is a key stage in the legal process to deliver the project, which will replace a sub-standard two-lane dual carriageway with a dual three-lane motorway.
Work is expected to start on the first section next spring with completion in 2012. It is hoped that work on the Leeming to Barton section will begin in 2011.
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: “The decision to deliver the scheme in two phases means the scheme costs have had to be renegotiated. Designs for the southern section of the scheme are also now further advanced, giving a more accurate picture of the likely construction costs.
“Discussions with the contractor are still continuing but revised cost estimates published in July show that the southern Dishforth to Leeming section is likely to cost between £256m and £365m. The increases can be accounted for by inflation, increased construction costs and increased land costs.”
The Agency is working on new proposals for local access roads on the northern section of the scheme between Leeming and Catterick and Scotch Corner and Barton. This follows acceptance of the recommendations of a public inquiry held in 2006.
The orders can be viewed at the Highways Agency offices at 8 City Walk, Leeds; North Yorkshire County Council’s environmental services at County Hall, Northallerton; Hambleton Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton; Richmondshire Council, Dundas Street, Richmond; Harrogate Borough Council, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate; or Bedale Library, Bedale Hall. The compulsory purchase order will be published next month.
