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24
Oct 2022
Overspend on junction 47 upgrade remains unknown
The full extent of the multi-million pound overspend on the junction 47 upgrade on the A1(M) remains unknown — six months after the project ended.
The scheme near Flaxby, which was originally budgeted to cost £7.7m, finished in April, seven months later than planned.
North Yorkshire County Council revealed more than a year ago that costs had increased to £10m and has not given an updated figure since.
The Stray Ferret asked the council this week when a figure would be published.
Richard Binks, head of major projects and infrastructure at the council, said:
Read more:
- Praise for A1 junction 47 upgrade — but overspend remains unknown
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Scheme 'unlocks growth around Harrogate'
The scheme involved widening three of the four slip roads onto and off the roundabout to increase capacity, as well as a number of junction improvements.
Traffic signals were installed on the roundabout to improve traffic flow and added to the T-junction between the A168 and the A59, a short distance from junction 47 on the York side to benefit drivers turning onto the A59 and to improve safety.
To the west of junction 47, between the A1 and the Flaxby roundabout, a lane was added for traffic travelling east, so there are now two lanes in each direction between those two roundabouts.
Officials celebrate the completion of works.
Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways, previously said the project had reduced congestion and improved road safety, adding:
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