PART of a huge scheme to upgrade a section of the A1 in North Yorkshire to a motorway has been completed.

The £318 million project on the stretch of the route between Dishforth and Leeming reached a milestone this week when the Highways Agency completed work on the northbound section between the Baldersby and Gatenby junctions, meaning all cones and speed restrictions have now been removed.

The northbound section between Gatenby and Leeming will open fully next Wednesday and the final section, covering the southbound stretch from Leeming to Baldersby, will be open on March 31.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “The completion of work along the A1 will be a significant milestone in our plans to improve one of the key transport routes in the north of England, improving safety, reducing congestion and making journey times more reliable.”

Highways Agency project manager David Brindle said: “Opening these sections is especially good news for motorists at this time of year and will benefit drivers ahead of and during the Easter getaway.”

Work on the scheme, which involves widening 12 miles of dual carriageway between Dishforth and Leeming and providing a new access road for local traffic, started three years ago.