The week-long scheme on Sutton Bank, on the A170 between Helmsley and Thirsk, will begin on Sunday, September 8, to ensure that it remains structurally sound.
The annual maintenance of a key east-west route renowned for its steep climb is to encompass new elements which this year will benefit a popular visitor centre.
North Yorkshire Council’s highways team will inspect the face of the slope to prevent any rocks from falling, the boreholes to check for landslips, and clear overhanging vegetation.
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 vehicle activated 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 avoiding any unforeseen, disruptive closures of the A170 through the year.
“This year we will be carrying out the usual maintenance works such as jetting the drains, emptying gullies, improving lining, and replacing granite setts and cats eyes, as well as grass cutting, strimming vegetation, and replenishing the grit bins.
“We appreciate the disruption the diversion will cause but ask the public for their cooperation and patience.”
The Sutton Bank National Park Centre attracts around 130,000 visitors every year. 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.
Manager Chris Pye said:
“It is likely that more than half of visitors have travelled the steep incline on the A170 to get here, Whilst it’s a significant obstacle, the view from the top is the number one reason that folks visit.
“We are pleased to have been working collaboratively with North Yorkshire Council for many years to ensure that the road stays in tip-top condition. Any unforeseen closures impact on our visitor numbers significantly, and of course isn’t the best customer experience.
“By providing space at the centre, the works can proceed efficiently with as little disruption as possible.
“This year, we are also hugely grateful that the council is relining one of our car parks as a thank you for the use of the site. It is a lovely gesture and one which will further improve the first impression when visitors arrive.”
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.
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