THE scheme to tame North Yorkshire's worst accident blackspot has been delayed for several months - because the bill is massively higher than originally expected.

The Highways Agency had planned to start construction of a new flyover on the A64 at Bilbrough Top, between York and Tadcaster, later this month.

This would finally have allowed it to shut a gap in the central reservation, which has been implicated in numerous accidents. Motorists have been killed and injured after passing through the gap and colliding with vehicles travelling along the dual carriageway.

But the agency revealed today that tenders received for the project have indicated that the cost is likely to be "substantially higher" than the £4.8 million originally expected.

"Consultants are currently examining the tenders in order to account for the discrepancy," said a spokeswoman. "Additionally, discussions will take place with the contractors.

"This means that the start of the project will be delayed, which the Highways Agency deeply regrets."

She said the agency was aware of the need for the scheme, and was "absolutely committed" to seeing it through to completion.

"If the increased costs stand, an alternative funding source will have to be agreed over the next few weeks. We hope to start work in the autumn."

The county highways authority has revealed that Bilbrough Top has the worst accident record in North Yorkshire, with 20 in the last three years.

The delay was slammed by former Bilbrough Parish Council chairman Sam Esler, who said: "It's absolutely ridiculous. I'm really dismayed.

"This is just at the busiest time of the year. I'm very concerned that there could be another fatal accident during this delay."

Selby district councillor Brian Percival said the agency's credibility in taking the gap's closure seriously had evaporated. "It's beyond belief. It's bizarre," he said.

Updated: 10:49 Friday, June 13, 2003