Works to improve the A1 (M) Junction 47 have been given the green light despite already being 50% over budget.
The junction will be upgraded to include traffic signals and to widen the slip roads.
Additionally, an extra traffic lane will be installed on the eastbound A59 between the Flaxby roundabout and the A1(M) junction.
Traffic signals will also be installed at the A59/A168 junction just to the east of the A1(M) junction.
North Yorkshire County Council has approved the scheme and is working with Highways England to deliver the project by March 2021.
The original estimated costs were £5.03 million but that has now been revised up to £7.766 million – which is 54% over budget.
However, the work will still go-ahead with surplus money from the Harrogate to York rail improvements being moved to fill the A1 (M) Junction 47 shortfall.
Council documents reveal that the work will take the Nightingale Hospital into account when phasing the carriageway works and that the costs could increase further by another £200,000.
The documents also highlight how coronavirus social distancing measures are “likely” to have an impact on start dates and the project costs.
