TRAFFIC chaos once again brought the A64 to a standstill today as the second phase of major roadworks got under way.

Tailbacks were causing motoring misery for drivers who faced long delays travelling on the eastbound carriageway.

Work to reconstruct an underpass on the dual carriageway at Top Lane, Copmanthorpe, is expected to continue for the next six months.

Disgruntled drivers did have some cause for cheer today as the Highways Agency confirmed that congestion-easing measures would continue on the westbound lane.

Motorists trying to get into York before reaching the busy underpass were delayed by tailbacks caused by drivers travelling on the A64 towards Leeds.

Late last year, separate lanes were given to vehicles approaching the road works and those travelling towards the city on the Tadcaster Road and Bishopthorpe exit.

These improvements helped to ease congestion for motorists who needed to get into York.

Today an agency spokeswoman said.

""Westbound traffic is being moved into the eastbound lane, but only after the Tadcaster Road exit. Therefore the arrangements we had before are still in place."

Updated: 11:02 Monday, January 07, 2002