Plans progressed for A684 Morton-on-Swale flooding signs

The A684 at Morton-on-Swale has been the subject of concern for residents and drivers for years, with signage, safety measures, and prevention of water-related incidents on the stretch of road being points of frustration. 

This has included several high-profile incidents, which saw three drivers, including a HGV, stuck under the floodwater in January this year, due to the lack of suitable signage on either side of the bridge to let drivers know there was floodwater on the A684.

The A684 at Morton-on-Swale and the temporary signage (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Currently,  'closed' and 'diversion' signs are put up every time the River Swale bursts its banks - but these have to be manually put out and taken down and drivers don't know that there's standing water on the road until they reach the floodwater on the road. 

Other issues centre on the fact that the signs currently put out are not visible in low light, while concerns about drivers being forced to travel via the narrow roads near Langton Bridge, Yafforth when the A684 is closed to traffic.

The A684 at Morton-on-Swale has been the subject of concern for residents and drivers for years (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Following the ongoing issues with flooding on the road, electronic signage and safety measures have been explored by councillors over the last 18 months, with the plans taking a step forward on Wednesday (October 23) at the North Yorkshire Council Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee.

During the meeting, councillors were asked to consider a list of projects that require funding, including the A684 at Morton-on-Swale, which will cost £101,600.

Cars and a HGV stuck in the A684 at Morton-on-Swale (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The proposals were backed unanimously by councillors present, who branded the signage on the A684 as "much needed" and "vital".

Chair of the meeting, Cllr Yvonne Peacock, who covers the Upper Dales division, noted that a similar set of signage in Wensleydale has worked well for the area since its installation. 

"It has made a huge difference for drivers and locals around the area," Cllr Peacock said.

"One of the best transport systems we have invested in. The best part is that the signs are electronic, saving time for people who would have had to put out signs manually.

"It prevents incidents with vehicles in floodwater, and it's a no-brainer to fund it."

Despite backing the sign proposals, councillors questioned the long-term impact of flooding on the A684 at Morton-on-Swale and called on the Environment Agency to investigate a 'viable solution' and to pay into funding the £40,000 worth of signs.

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In response to the questions of the Environment Agency, Jayne Charlton, Interim Head of Highway Operation and Area Manager at North Yorkshire County Council, told councillors that there was "no solution to the flooding" in sight but noted that the Environment Agency would be looking for match funding to help pay for the signs. 

After backing the project on Wednesday, a decision would be passed on to the community development director of North Yorkshire Council, before the council's executive committee will make a final decision in the future. 

However, the project must be complete by March 2025, due to how the signage will be afforded; from the council's Development Fund.