THE A64 near Malton will be closed over three weekends during the next couple of months.

Work to renew the carriageway is part of a £1.4 million scheme and includes major reconstruction of the road between Crambeck and Low Hutton.

Due to the depth of the repair that is needed, the work cannot be done using lane or overnight closures.

Highways England project manager Chris Dunn said: “We understand that closing the A64 for three weekends will cause disruption for motorists.

“We have looked at other ways to carry out this work but due to the depth of the repairs needed we need to close the road for the safety of drivers and the workforce.”

He added: “While we have it closed, we are planning to carry out as much work as possible such as renewing road marking, vegetation clearance and grass cutting to minimise any closures going forward.

“I would advise drivers to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time during these closures accordingly.”

To begin with there will be a closure of the Musley Bank eastbound exit slip road from 8pm on Friday, October 12, until 6am on Monday, October 15.

The three weekend closures of the A64 will take place from 8pm on Friday, October 19, until 6am on Monday, October 22, and then from 8pm on Friday, November 9 until 6am on Monday, November 12, and from 8pm on Friday, November 16, until 6am on Monday, November 19.

Clearly signed diversions containing the Highways England logo will be in place.

Associated minor work started on Monday, September 17 and is expected to be completed this winter.

Highways England is currently carrying out feasibility and design work for safety improvements at Crambeck.

This includes pedestrian refuges, signage and we are at the early stages of considering average speed cameras at locations along the A64.

Construction of the safety improvements is planned to start in 2019.