(Image: North Yorkshire Council)
A MAJOR road in North Yorkshire has reopened follownig a three-week maintenance programme.
The A170 at Sutton Bank, between Thirsk and Helmsley, opened yesterday (Sunday, October 4), after routine maintenance and drainage system improvements.
The road, on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, is used by around 130,000 vehicles annually and requires regular upkeep due to its steep one-in-four gradient, according to North Yorkshire Council.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transport, said: “It’s great news that this year’s annual maintenance programme at Sutton Bank is complete, and the route was reopened to traffic yesterday.
“The closure allowed our teams to carry out a range of essential maintenance and improvements on this unique section of our road network safely.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience while the work was undertaken.
“These improvements will help to ensure Sutton Bank remains safe and resilient for all road users.”
The project did face challenges when contractors came across natural springs serving two houses along the route.
To ensure these water supplies were protected, the drainage design was adapted and sections of the new system diverted.
A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said: "The work forms part of our ongoing programme to maintain and improve one of the county’s most famous and challenging stretches of road.
"It provides an opportunity for essential safety work and infrastructure improvements to be carried out while minimising disruption throughout the rest of the year. "