THE A64 between York and Malton will be closed from tonight for the next three weekends as work begins on a major road reconstruction.

Work to renew the carriageway is part of a £1.4 million scheme that will rebuild the road between Crambeck and Low Hutton.

Due to the size of the repairs, The Highways Agency said that the work cannot be done using lane or overnight closures and will mean the closure of the road over three weekends.

Highways England project manager Chris Dunn said: “We understand that closing the A64 for three weekends will cause disruption for motorists.

“We have looked at other ways to carry out this work but due to the depth of the repairs needed we need to close the road for the safety of drivers and the workforce.”

He added: “While we have it closed, we are planning to carry out as much work as possible such as renewing road marking, vegetation clearance and grass cutting to minimise any closures going forward.

“I would advise drivers to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time during these closures accordingly.”

The three weekend closures of the A64 will take place from 8pm on Friday, October 19, until 6am on Monday, October 22, and then from 8pm on Friday, November 9 until 6am on Monday, November 12, and from 8pm on Friday, November 16, until 6am on Monday, November 19.

Clearly signed diversions containing the Highways England logo will be in place.

Drivers heading to Scarborough have been advised to use the A166 route, past Fridaythorpe, and onto the B1248 before turning back onto the A64.

Anyone attempting to travel to Malton from York can turn off at the Welburn junction, past Castle Howard before turning at Hempton Hill, past Coneysthorpe and Easthorpe, towards Malton.