THE completion of the new junction at Barton Hill on the A64 has marked the end of a 17-year safety campaign.

After several months of work, traffic cones were removed from the junction last Friday.

Among several improvements, better signage has been put up, the junction has been staggered and the Castle Howard turn-off is now located further from the foot of the hill to improve safety and visibility.

The work is the culmination of a long campaign. The junction was identified as one of the most dangerous in the country by district coroner Michael Oakley almost two decades ago.

The cause was taken up by campaigners, including former county councillor Clare Wood, who had fought for 17 years for the improvements, even after she stepped down from her county council role in 2017.

County councillor Caroline Goodrick, Ms Wood’s successor in the Hovingham and Sherriff Hutton division, said: “We thank Highways England for a much improved road junction, Michael Oakley for highlighting the serious nature of the problems, the North Yorkshire Highways team for working so closely with Highways England, MP Kevin Hollinrake for his continued support, and every other person and organisation that has played a part in this project.

“This could not have been achieved without the dedication and cooperation of so many, and we are proud to be able to deliver something that will have a real impact on the safety and well-being of all.”

Mr Hollinrake said: “This was one of the most dangerous junctions on one of the most dangerous sections of one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

“There is no doubt that the new system will have an immediate effect on road safety.

“The Barton Hill junction had been a notorious blackspot for accidents and a cause of great concern for local people, so I am delighted that it has been made safer and would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the improvements.”

Highways England has estimated that the safety improvements will benefit as many as 9,000 drivers - and their passengers - every day.