A bridge over the road is being built to replace the Rainton crossroads north of Dishforth.

Until now, motorists have been able to drive across the busy dual carriageway using a gap in the central reservation, resulting in several fatal accidents.

To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out at night and is due to be completed in July.

This section of the A1 has an average daily traffic flow of 50,000 vehicles and a poor safety record.

In the last five years, there have been four fatalities, 35 serious personal injury accidents and 50 minor incidents.