Safety Improvement Works Continue On A64

A new safety barrier made of timber is creating better and safer journeys on the A64 to and from the Yorkshire Coast.

Highways England is carrying out work on a number of sections of the A64 as part of its ongoing £22 million investment in the route and one of the latest additions is the new wooden-clad barrier on the A64 at Whitwell Duals.

This new barrier provides road users with exactly the same protection as a steel structure and is subject to the same meticulous safety tests but is more in keeping with the natural surroundings.

Working closely with the AONB (Area of Natural Beauty) Partnership, Highways England used the material as an alternative to steel, to ensure views from the road across the Howardian Hills beauty spot to the south wouldn't be affected.

Highways England project manager Chris Dunn said:

“The wooden barrier works in exactly the same way as a conventional steel one. It still has steel posts and rails, but is clad in timber. It also had to pass the same rigorous safety tests.

“By using this material we have softened the impact of having a barrier in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

AONB Partnership Chairman Sir William Worsley added:

“We worked with Highways England to identify the section that would most benefit from the timber-clad system. The views over the Kirkham Gorge are spectacular and we’re very pleased with the end result."

The barrier, made of timber, protects views of the Howardian Hills beauty spot

More schemes are due to get underway on the A64 this month.

Highways England is widening the road, building two bus lay-bys and improving crossing facilities near the petrol station and café at Flaxton Moor.

This is followed by work to deliver better signage for the park and ride sites around York, and inform drivers of any queues on the eastbound carriageway approaching Hopgrove.

The ongoing work requires various types of closures so it can be carried out safely and as quickly as possible. For more information follow the Twitter account @highwaysYORKS

Further details can also be found at https://highwaysengland.co.uk/programmes/a64-maintenance-improvements or by calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.