Essential work to ensure that one of the steepest routes in England remains fit for the future has been completed on schedule.
The A170 at Sutton Bank, which is between Thirsk and Helmsley on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, carries about 130,000 vehicles every year and requires annual maintenance due to its extreme one-in-four gradient.
As well as carrying out routine maintenance of the rock face, we have improved the drainage system in the area during the three-week closure.
In the final stages of the scheme, a new road surface was laid and road markings replaced. The route reopened to traffic yesterday, Sunday, October 4.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “It’s great news that this year’s annual maintenance programme at Sutton Bank is complete, and the route was reopened to traffic yesterday.
“The closure allowed our teams to carry out a range of essential maintenance and improvements on this unique section of our road network safely.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while the work was undertaken. These improvements will help to ensure Sutton Bank remains safe and resilient for all road users.”
The project did face challenges when contractors came across natural springs serving two houses along the route.
To ensure these water supplies were protected, the drainage design was adapted and sections of the new system diverted.
The work forms part of our ongoing programme to maintain and improve one of the county’s most famous and challenging stretches of road.
It provides an opportunity for essential safety work and infrastructure improvements to be carried out while minimising disruption throughout the rest of the year.