Work to end the rising death toll at a deadly junction on the Easingwold bypass is to start next week - months ahead of scheduleThe new roundabout will replace the notorious Easingwold A19 Thirsk Road junction blamed for the deaths of six people.

Since the £4.5 million bypass opened in November, 1994, there have been four major accidents.

These included a triple fatal smash on May 1, after which Coroner Michael Oakley described the junction design as "typical inept road planning".

The Evening Press campaigned relentlessly for a roundabout, taking the issue right to the top during a recent visit to York by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

But the Highways Agency claimed the volume of traffic at the north end of the bypass did not warrant any alterations, although officials said they "deeply regretted" the six deaths.

Eventually, after the Agency bowed to public and political pressure in the wake of the tragedies, it agreed to finance the project.Announcing the work today, Transport Minister Baroness Hayman said it had been given top priority.

She said: "I am pleased to see this scheme starting so quickly. The Highways Agency places safety as a top priority and is installing this new roundabout because of concern at the number of fatal accidents that have occurred since the road opened in 1994."

Planners were able to design the roundabout within existing road space, ruling out the lengthy need to purchase land around. Work is scheduled for completion in September.

In charge of the project, Highway Agency project manager Graham Littlechild, said delays were expected as temporary traffic lights and a 40mph speed limit are set up at the junction.

He said the roundabout would feature overhead lighting, anti-skid surfaces and new signposts, a major improvement on the existing junction.

"Most of these things are fitted as standard on our roundabouts. But a roundabout is a safe form of junction which will allow the traffic to turn safely with the minimum of delay."

Mayor of Easingwold, Councillor Shirley Shepherd said she was delighted with the news.

"We were never happy with the junction and we had been campaigning for a roundabout since the start.

"It was something that needed to be done because we were worried by the number of deaths. We are delighted and will monitor its progress carefully because we certainly don't want any more fatalities."

See COMMENT Roadworks will be welcomed

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