Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton is meeting Highways England again on January 27th to push for a solution to the A64.
Since he was elected in May 2015, Mr Hollinrake has been working with colleagues in Parliament and with the A64 Growth Partnership (A64GP), which includes the Local Enterprise Partnership, NYCC and Ryedale DC and businesses, to achieve the best possible outcome.
“My position is that we need new stretches of dual carriageway all the way to Barton Hill and then from Crambeck Village to Malton. To this end I have raised many questions in the House and had meetings with ministers and the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, who has expressed his support.
The Highways England current solution to the problem will only upgrade the roundabout at Hopgrove to a flyover, simply moving the pinch-point slightly further up the A64. The A64GP is in agreement with that Highways England may need to change their current focus or increase the allocated spend (currently estimated at £105m) to include the dual carriageway to Barton Hill (currently estimated at £170m to £250m).”
Highways England is producing a report in the Spring which will examine whether the flyover is the best option and how much it will cost. Highways England has publicly confirmed that the options to be considered for the scheme include extending the dualling beyond the Hopgrove Roundabout towards Barton Hill.
Mr. Hollinrake argues that the final solution must reflect the immense importance of A64 to the constituency’s economy and the wellbeing of those living and working there.
“I am working closely with the A64GP and Highways England to ensure that all relevant information is considered within this appraisal. During the first half of 2017 Highways England will begin external consultation with key partners on the findings of the feasibility work. A full design for the agreed scheme must be in place for 2020, following extensive investigatory work and full public scrutiny. If more funds are needed, Highways England will make that application in November 2017.
The A64 Growth Partnership is also developing its evidence base, taking into account future economic developments such as the potash mine, offshore wind, GCHQ expansion, shale gas exploration, changes in clinical provisions in Scarborough and York Hospitals and traffic/air quality issues in Malton and Norton, to support the case for major investment in the route.”