The new motorway will pass to the east of Wetherby

The improvements will cost �38m and will take place between the Bramham crossroads junction with the A64 and a new junction at Kirk Deighton near Wetherby.

Mr Jamieson has now confirmed that the route the road will take is the one which was shown at a series of public consultations.

The biggest part of the scheme will be the building of a new motorway with three lanes in each direction to the east of Wetherby.

Access roads

This will replace the present route of the A1 which has two lanes in each direction.

The old road will be turned into an access route for local and non-motorway traffic.

South of Wetherby, the present three-lane dual carriageway will be upgraded to motorway standard with sign gantries and emergency telephones.

A local access road to Bramham will be built parallel to the motorway.

Mr Jamieson said: "The upgrade of the A1 will see real improvements to the road around Wetherby by bringing it up to motorway standard.

"The route we have chosen should result in less noise, better air quality and improved safety."