Highways England is currently conducting a feasibility study on the whole stretch of the A19 to decide which gaps need closing to make the road safer for drivers. At a meeting with Highways England I was told that the Stony Lane gap at Cleveland Tontine, near Osmotherley, where 83 year old Sonia Rose from Carlton Miniott near Thirsk was tragically killed in September 2016, will be the first to close and others are likely to follow. The study is expected to be completed later this year so that the works, which can cost between £250,000 - £500,000 per gap can start soon after. The decision about which gaps will be closed will take into account both the safety of drivers and the agricultural needs of local farmers who need to cross the main road. At the inquest into Mrs Rose’s death, Ryedale Coroner, Michael Oakley, wrote to Highways England drawing its attention to the dangers of central reservation gaps and crossing points on the A19 citing his experiences over many years dealing with road deaths on the A19 and also the A1 before it was upgraded. I welcome this review and am pleased something is being done to prevent any further unnecessary loss of life. Whilst it is not possible to close all the gaps, we should do so where there are relatively easy alternative access routes to lanes and properties alongside the road. I’m also pleased that Highways England is updating the carriageway barrier ends to safer, more modern versions as this was also a contributory factor to the accident.
