One of England’s steepest roads has reopened after a three-week programme of maintenance and improvement work was completed on schedule.
The A170 at Sutton Bank, between Thirsk and Helmsley on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, reopened to traffic yesterday (Sunday, October 4).
Around 130,000 vehicles use the route each year, which has an extreme one-in-four gradient and requires annual maintenance.#
During the closure, North Yorkshire Council carried out routine maintenance to the rock face as well as improvements to the drainage system.
A new road surface was also laid and road markings replaced during the final stages of the project.
The work encountered an unexpected challenge when contractors discovered natural springs which provide water to two houses along the route.
The council said the drainage design was adapted and sections of the new system diverted to ensure the water supplies were protected.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “It’s great news that this year’s annual maintenance programme at Sutton Bank is complete, and the route was reopened to traffic yesterday.
“The closure allowed our teams to carry out a range of essential maintenance and improvements on this unique section of our road network safely.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while the work was undertaken.
“These improvements will help to ensure Sutton Bank remains safe and resilient for all road users.”
The work forms part of the council’s ongoing maintenance programme for one of North Yorkshire’s best-known and most challenging stretches of road.
The annual closure allows safety work and infrastructure improvements to be carried out in one period, reducing the need for disruption during the remainder of the year.
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