A major step forward has been taken in the development of the £45 million Howden Relief Road, with East Riding of Yorkshire Council awarding the main construction contract to infrastructure specialists Aureos.

The Sheffield-based contractor will begin work in early July on the long-anticipated project, which aims to ease congestion in Howden by diverting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) away from the town centre. The relief road is designed to improve travel times, reduce accidents, and lower carbon emissions.

The new link road will connect the A614 Thorpe Road to Station Road (B1228), cutting across existing farmland. The scheme includes the construction of four new roundabouts to support smoother traffic flow.

The relief road is part of a broader development proposal submitted by JG Hatcliffe Associates, which outlines plans for a new mixed-use area to the north of Howden. This larger development, designated as HOW-G in the East Riding Local Plan—includes residential properties, commercial space, community services and green infrastructure.


Preparation work for the scheme began in July 2024, including the creation of access roads, a compound pavement for the incoming contractor, and alternative routes for local farm vehicles.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of developer contributions and council-backed investment through the Invest East Yorkshire initiative. This includes a £2 million Devolution grant and a £1 million Local Transport Grant.

Construction will begin on the Thorpe Road side of the site and proceed westward toward Station Road. In addition to the road itself, work will also include a new surface water pump station to the south, aimed at improving local drainage systems.

Although the majority of construction will take place off-road, the council has indicated that some temporary traffic management will be necessary on Thorpe Road and Station Road. Disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum wherever possible.

The relief road is expected to take two years to complete and is seen as a vital infrastructure project for Howden, supporting long-term growth, improved connectivity, and reduced strain on the local road network.