THE DUALLING of a notorious congestion blackspot could be a step closer now fresh information has been revealed by transport authorities.

Highways England has now announced a dual carriageway will be needed to ease traffic problems on the A64 east of the Hopgrove roundabout - and said previous plans for an improved roundabout would not solve the problems.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake has pushed the authority to reconsider its plans for a flyover at the roundabout in favour of the dual carriageway, and has greeted this move as “fantastic news”.

Julian Rudd, of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The Highways England report is very welcome news - but we have been at this stage before and we must ensure that this time the dual carriageway and other improvements are actually delivered.

"Local politicians, councils and businesses are united and we will not rest until the A64 is upgraded, including a dual carriageway between York and Malton. This will require a full commitment by Government to the provisional allocation of £250 million.”

The Government has already put £250 million aside for an A64 upgrade in the national road strategy.

Mr Goodwill stated, “I am delighted, this is exactly what we have been campaigning for. Even though this improvement is 30 miles away from Scarborough, it will be of huge benefit to the East Coast economy.”

Highways England’s recent feasibility study shows options under consideration for the A64 will include a dual carriageway from York to Barton Hill. The transport body will now conduct a more detailed examination into environmental issues, traffic data, side roads and cost before making a recommendation following a consultation period in 2018.

Mr Hollinrake added: “We hope this section will be delivered by 2023 but we also need a sequential approach to include a further section of dual carriageway, from Crambeck to Malton, and then specific improvements east of Malton such as the Rillington by-pass.”