A SCHEME to prevent accidents at one of North Yorkshire's worst blackspots has been delayed because of soaring costs.

The Highways Agency had planned to start construction of a flyover on the A64 at Bilbrough Top, between York and Tadcaster, later this month.

It would have allowed the agency to close a gap in the central reservation, which has been implicated in numerous accidents where motorists have been killed and injured.

But the agency revealed yesterday that tenders received for the project indicated the cost was likely to be substantially higher than the £4.8m originally expected.

"Consultants are currently examining the tenders in order to account for the discrepancy," said a spokeswoman.

"Additionally, discussions will take place with the contractors. This means that the start of the project will be delayed."

However she emphasised the agency was "absolutely committed" to seeing the scheme through to completion.