WORK on a new bridge which will safeguard and potentially create hundreds of jobs is taking a step forward.

The bridge, over Cod Beck at Dalton Industrial Estate near Thirsk, will see piling work start for its abutments and retaining walls on Monday.

When finished, the £4.1m project to realign the road and construct a new bridge will boost businesses on the estate.

Work paused recently to allow new road embankments to settle but road construction is expected to restart in December.

The project is the result of a partnership between businesses on Dalton Industrial Estate, the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council and the Environment Agency.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, said: “The embankment construction and the installation of the first part of the Thacker Beck culvert are complete and we are now moving into the next phase.”

The new road is expected to open in March next year, with all works complete three months later.