MOTORISTS will be able to use the A64 east of York after all next weekend, after a £1.4 million reconstruction project finished ahead of schedule.

Highways England shut the route to the coast on Saturday and Sunday to allow for repairs to the concrete base between Crambeck and Low Hutton, having already closed it once before last month, when restaurants, cafes and pubs alongside the road complained that poor signage and loss of passing trade had caused a drastic drop in custom.

The road was due to be closed for a third time this coming weekend but project manager Chris Dunn said it had proved possible to complete the work ahead of schedule and reduce the number of weekend closures to benefit drivers, businesses and residents.

He thanked everyone, particularly local residents, businesses and those living on the diversion routes, for their patience and understanding.