MOTORISTS will face severe congestion and delays on the A64 between York and Tadcaster this weekend, following the introduction of a contraflow tonight.

The Highways Agency today urged drivers to avoid the dual carriageway if possible, or allow extra time for their journey.

One-lane contraflows and a 30mph limit are being imposed for four weekends in succession as the construction of a new flyover at Bilbrough Top moves into the final stages. Some Yorkshire Coastliner bus stops will be temporarily closed.

But the contraflows will be removed each Monday morning before the start of the rush hour, and the agency, which originally planned to keep the 30mph limit in force throughout the week, has now decided to restore the 40 mph limit during weekdays.

The agency said contractors would be working 24 hours a day to tie in a new section of carriageway with the existing A64.

A spokeswoman said the work would start at 8pm.

Updated: 09:59 Friday, February 25, 2005