Graham lands £87m Jock’s Lodge work
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has appointed the contractor for the A164 junction improvement project close to Beverley, expected to start in spring 2024.
When complete, in late 2026, traffic travelling on one of the area’s busiest routes will be freed up, said the council, benefiting the whole of the East Riding and helping to grow the local economy.
The funding was signed off by transport minister Richard Holden early in November, before his elevation to chairman of the Conservative Party.
Graham is a vastly experienced firm in the sector, employing 2,200 people and being involved in more than 100 projects across the UK and Ireland from 23 regional offices, including Leeds.
The work will involve replacing the Jock’s Lodge junction, which links the A164 Hull to Beverley and the A1079 Hull to York roads, on the outskirts of Beverley.
A new roundabout will be created on the A1079 to connect it with Beverley and part of the A164 will be widened into a dual carriageway.
Cllr Gary McMaster, the council’s cabinet member for housing and infrastructure, met with Alastair Lewis, Graham contracts director, at the site of the Jock’s Lodge junction, together with members of the council’s civil engineering team in charge of the project.
The councillor said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome GRAHAM on board for this long-awaited scheme which is one of the council’s largest construction projects.
“The council has been working on this scheme for a number of years but now, with the funding in place and the appointment of the contractor, it means we can now move forward and make these improvements happen.
“When it’s finished, this will free traffic up on one of the busiest roads in the East Riding and, in turn, give a welcome boost to the local economy.”
Lewis said: “The upgrade of the A164 and new junction arrangements with the A1079 dual carriageway, will alleviate congestion and enhance safety for non-motorists via dedicated pedestrian and cycling routes.
“Our track record of successfully delivering transformational civil engineering projects stands as testament to our commitment for the highest standards of work, professionalism, and technical expertise.
“We are proud to be East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s partner to deliver economic growth to the region.
“Over the next few months, the project team will be working hard to ensure the site is ready for the main build phase – we’re looking forward to playing our part in this pivotal project and leaving a lasting legacy”.
The Department for Transport will contribute £40.7m to the project, while East Riding has already committed to investing £46.2m.
The A164 and Jock’s Lodge Improvement Scheme will involve the removal of the existing Jock’s Lodge junction and the following pieces of work:
- A new roundabout along the A1079 Hull-to-York road, and a new road connecting it with the Lincoln Way/Minster Way roundabout in Beverley,
- Two new roads, travelling northbound and southbound, which will connect the new A1079 roundabout with the A164 further south, near Coppleflat Lane, Bentley.
- The A164 will also be widened into a dual carriageway between Coppleflat Lane and the roundabout with the B1233 Harland Way, Cottingham.
- North of Coppleflat Lane, the A164 will remain a single carriageway but with A1079-bound traffic diverted on to separate new link roads.
In preparation for the upgrade, the council has built a new roundabout at the junction of Main Street and Beverley Road, Skidby, as well as creating a new bus stop, which is due to be completed soon.
