London, United Kingdom – A £60.79m scheme to upgrade the A1 has got the go-ahead, Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman announced 2006-11-16. The improvements will see approximately 10km of the A1 between Bramham and Wetherby improved to dual three-lane motorway standard.

Dr Stephen Ladyman said:
"This upgrade will relieve congestion, improve accessibility and make journey times more predictable and reliable – all of which is highly beneficial for both local residents and commercial users of the A1. Importantly it is also likely to reduce the number of accidents on this route."

The scheme involves widening the existing A1 around Wetherby to three-lane motorway standard with construction of a new bridge over the River Wharfe, and replacement of the existing bridges at Wetherby Grange and Walton Road.

Junctions at Walton Road, Wetherby Grange and Tenter Hill will be closed and new local access roads will provide a link to local communities near the A1. A new network of cycle paths and bridleways for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will also be created.

This scheme is expected to start in Spring 2007 and construction will take approximately 28 months.

Background information
1. Approximately 10km of the A1 will be upgraded between the A64 Bramham Crossroads Junction and the Kirk Deighton New Junction on the A1(M) to dual three lane motorway standard.
2. The decision follows the Inspector’s report of the local inquiry which has been accepted by the Department for Transport.
3. A local Inquiry was held at the Bridge Inn Walshford, Wetherby, Yorkshire, for seven sitting days, between 31 January and 9 February 2006, before Mr Colin Tyrrell, MA (Oxon), CEng, MICE, FIHT, an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretaries of State.
4. The decision on published Orders under the Highways Act for the scheme is taken jointly by the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government – responsible for Planning.
5. Their decision letter and the Inspector’s report are available on the DfT’s website www.dft.gov.uk