WORK is due to start on £22m of improvements on one of the major routes to the East coast where there have been a series of deadly crashes over the past few years.

Highways England say the initial work will be done to make the area between Crambeck and Welburn on the A64 road between York and Scarborough safer. In 2017 four people were killed while crossing the road in this area in two separate accidents within a month. In the wake of the deaths, the A64 Road Safety Action Group was set up to press for improvements to be made to safeguard road users

The four-month project will start in March. It will include widening the carriageway, creating right turn lanes, introducing five new traffic islands and a footpath, and improving the layout of junctions.

Highways England project manager Chris Dunn said: "This vital work will improve safety for people using the A64. The improvements are part of our wider investment to enhance journeys and safety for the thousands of people who use this route every day.

"Most of the work will be done during the day, with narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit, although there will be some overnight closures and the use of overnight traffic lights."

Elsewhere on the A64, Highways England is installing ‘village gateways’ between Welburn and Staxton. The gateways are characterised by features such as ‘welcome to’ entry signs asking people to drive carefully, and the circular sign showing a lowered speed limit through the villages.

There will also be coloured road surfacing, lane narrowing and clear boundaries for drivers, as well as extra signage. The work is due to carry on until the end of the year. It includes extending the 30mph speed limit in Rillington, lowering the speed limit to 30mph in Sherburn, and to 40mph in Rillington Fields, West and East Heslerton, Potter Brompton, Ganton and Staxton.

The speed limit will also reduce to 50mph in Welburn and Crambeck, Huttons Ambo, Scagglethorpe, Scampston, and West and East Knapton. The project is being supported by North Yorkshire Police. A special road safety study was carried out in 2018 after concern grew over the fatal and serious injury crashes on the increasingly busy road. Campaigners who fought for improvements also welcomed upgrading work which will also see pedestrian and cycling faciliites improved between Staxton and Seamer.