ESSENTIAL maintenance designed to extend the life of a bridge will begin next week.

North Yorkshire County Council will be carrying out major work on Sheriff Hutton bridge, over the River Foss, on the Strensall to Sheriff Hutton road.

The work will include removing the bridge surface, waterproofing the concrete and resurfacing. Preparation work will take place from February 6, using two-way temporary traffic lights. The following week, from February 10 to 18, the bridge will be closed with a diversion in operation via Strensall and Flaxton.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “The road will be closed as the available road width makes it impossible to carry out the work in two halves. We are advising people to allow extra time for their journeys.

“The preventative work is essential to avoid deterioration of the bridge. We apologise for any inconvenience or disruption caused and would like to thank road users in advance for their patience.’’

County Councillor Caroline Goodrick, who represents Sheriff Hutton, said: “I apologise for the short-term inconvenience, but this essential work provides much greater resilience to the road network, which gives us certainty for the future.

"If I can just ask drivers to be particularly careful if using the Scotchman Lane junction on to the A64.”