A �263m project to turn the A1 in the north of England into a three-lane motorway, has been announced by the government.

About 29 miles of the dual carriageway will be upgraded in the latest tranche of improvements.

Sections between Bramham and Wetherby, North Yorkshire, Dishforth and Leeming, West Yorkshire, and Leeming and Barton, North Yorkshire will be improved to boost safety and reduce congestion.

Work is already under way on two further schemes totalling �258 million.

These will upgrade sections of the A1 between Ferrybridge and Hook Moor and Wetherby to Walshford, North Yorkshire.

Accident blackspots

When completed, all the work combined will create 60 miles of three-lane motorway running from Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire to Barton in North Yorkshire.

Announcing the upgrade in Leeds on Tuesday, Transport Minister John Spellar said: "The improvements will not only reduce accidents and delays but also congestion.

"They are likely to be welcomed by the business community in the North-East, Yorkshire, and the Humber region."