A main route in the region will undergo a week-long programme of roadworks from this weekend to improve the safety of the road and make vital upgrades.
The week-long roadworks scheme on Sutton Bank, on the A170 between Helmsley and Thirsk, will begin on Sunday, September 8.
North Yorkshire Council’s highways team will inspect the face of the slope to prevent any rocks from falling, check for landslips, and clear vegetation from the route.
They will repair the restraint barriers on one of the hairpin bends following a recent collision, and trenches across the road will be dug to wire the electrics for three new signs.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “The A170 is a key route for residents, commuters and visitors so we do everything we can to minimise the time it is closed.
“The Sutton Bank annual maintenance scheme is so important in allowing us to condense essential works into a single closure.
“It is critical to avoid any unforeseen, disruptive closures of the A170 through the year.
“We appreciate the disruption the diversion will cause but ask the public for their cooperation and patience.”
The council is working with the National Park and during the maintenance scheme, the car park to the west of the centre will be used to store equipment and lining work in the car park will be undertaken as part of the overall works programme.
“More than half of visitors have likely travelled the steep incline on the A170 to get here,” said manager Chris Pye. “Whilst it’s a significant obstacle, the view from the top is the number one reason that folks visit.
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"Any unforeseen closures impact on our visitor numbers significantly, and of course isn’t the best customer experience.
The road is due to be closed from 7am on Sunday, September 8, until 7pm on Sunday, September 15. A signed diversion will be in place and operatives will maintain access to homes on Sutton Bank where possible.
Diversion routes can be found here.
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