MOTORISTS have been thanked for their patience during a year-long road improvement scheme to ease jams on one of East Yorkshire's busiest roads.
Work on the A164 Humber Bridge to Beverley road is on schedule to finish, as planned, in spring.
The onset of freezing weather, which followed a particularly wet summer, has not delayed the end date.
It is hoped the £10m scheme will ease traffic problems on the East Riding's busiest road and boost the economy, particularly around Beverley.
East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: "I would like to commend those involved in the delivery of the scheme for their efforts in view of the inclement weather experienced since works began and for keeping the scheme on schedule.
"I would also like to thank drivers and the travelling public for their patience as this scheme is developed.
"The long-term benefits will be felt for years to come.
"The difficult financial climate is proving to be challenging and the council, through infrastructure projects such as the A164, is playing its part in safeguarding jobs within the construction industry."
Before work started, Cllr Parnaby was on record saying he felt the A164 improvements were, if anything, more important than the Beverley bypass scheme, which is likely to start in July next year.
He has taken a particular interest in the scheme's progress.
He said: "Work is progressing on schedule, despite the heavy rainfall experienced over the summer and the advent of winter weather over the past few weeks.
"When complete, the scheme will improve journey times and reduce congestion on what is the East Riding's busiest road."
Work is progressing swiftly at the Willerby roundabout and near the Castle Hill roundabout.
Kerbing and surfacing works have taken place, allowing the full extent of the layout of the realigned carriageway to become visible.
In Willerby, the work has now allowed traffic to be diverted for the first time on to the new carriageway, which has opened up new work areas.
North of Castle Hill roundabout and between Willerby and Castle Hill roundabouts, following road surfacing works, traffic will be diverted on to new sections of carriageway as they become available.
Vehicle restraint barriers, fencing and street lighting columns have been installed at various locations and set in stone before being kerbed in.
Some night working has been required for the installation of service ducts across the road and the construction of the footpath and cycleway.
In the new year, there is likely to be more night working for surfacing works at various locations between Willerby and Cottingham and at Skidby roundabout.
The council says maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction through the works during the day mitigates the impact on road users. Temporary traffic signal use is restricted to night working.
