Osgodby bypass route unveiled at village hall

The Highways Agency says the proposed new road to the south of Osgodby should improve the poor safety record of the A63-A19 junction and reduce through-traffic and pollution in the village.

There have been 42 people injured and one person killed in accidents in the area over the last five years. About a third of these occurred at the A63-A19 junction, more than twice the national average for this type of junction.

The new bypass would run south of Osgodby village between the A63 and the new roundabout which is being constructed on the A19 at the northern end of the Selby bypass.

Coun Stephanie Duckett, who represents Barlby with Osgodby, said: "This project really is welcomed because the village has suffered for years with heavy traffic.

"We can also see the obvious safety benefits although the new road will cut off certain bus routes."

A special exhibition detailing the preferred route for the bypass was being staged at Institute Hall until 8pm tonight, and from 10am until 2pm tomorrow.

Visitors can obtain information from Highways Agency staff, and specialists will be available to discuss agricultural issues, from 5pm until 8pm today and all day tomorrow.

Highways Agency project manager Steve Sexton said: "Local people now have a further opportunity to examine the plans and to make their comments on what is being proposed. "Details of how people can do this are set out in the exhibition and also in a leaflet which the Highways Agency is distributing to local residents. Copies of the leaflet are also available from libraries, petrol filling stations and other outlets in the area."

Letters of support, objection or other comments on the proposals should be sent to the Highways Agency before July 17. Any objections left unresolved by this time will be referred to a public inquiry held by a Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency-appointed independent inspector.

Updated: 12:12 Friday, June 06, 2003