A £10m road improvement scheme between Beverley and the Humber Bridge is offering vital work experience for a group of young people.
The A164 improvement scheme, which started in May, is on schedule in spite of the poor weather conditions during the summer months, and expected to be completed in spring 2013.
East Riding Council’s contractor, Jackson Civil Engineering, has removed traffic islands, constructed gabion retaining walls and a number of embankments, laid large amounts of underground pipework for the drainage system and extensive service diversions have been completed.
The A164 works are also one of three sites where Jackson’s mini apprentice scheme is taking place.
The scheme is providing a group of 18 to 24-year-olds with six weeks’ work experience and the opportunity for the most promising trainee to land a full-time apprenticeship.
East Riding Council Leader Councillor Steve Parnaby said: “The difficult financial climate is proving to be challenging and unemployment, particularly among young people, is an issue that is being tackled both nationally and locally.
“The council, through infrastructure projects such as the A164, is playing its part in safeguarding jobs within the construction industry and is pleased that the works are providing young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
“The improvement scheme along the A164 is progressing as planned and all those involved in the scheme are to be commended for their efforts, giving the poor weather conditions that have been experienced since work commenced over three months ago.
“When complete, the A164 Humber Bridge to Beverley Route Improvement Scheme will benefit motorists and the travelling public greatly by reducing congestion on what is the East Riding’s busiest road.”
With the majority of the underground work now completed between Willerby and Castle Hill roundabouts, over the coming months work will begin on the construction of the new sections of carriageway at the roundabouts and to create a dual carriageway between Willerby and Castle Hill roundabouts. New statutory undertakers’ cables will be laid to divert important telecommunications and power supplies.
At Skidby roundabout, drainage works will continue in advance of the installation of low-level gabion baskets to retain the existing cutting side slopes. Construction of the new footpath/cycleway links between Skidby and Beverley will also be progressed in the coming month.
All businesses along the route remain open for business as usual.