Carillion and its 50:50 joint venture partner, Morgan Est, has begun the construction phase of the Dishforth to Leeming section of the Highways Agency's scheme to upgrade the A1 between Dishforth and Barton.

This Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract was awarded to the Joint Venture in 2004. Construction to upgrade this section of the A1 from a dual two-lane trunk road to a dual three-lane motorway is due for completion in 2012.

The total cost of the Dishforth-Leeming section of the scheme is £318 million, including land acquisition, design, development and construction.

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The improvement scheme is part of the Highways Agency's programme for upgrading this strategically important route, particularly to improve safety on this section of the A1. The scheme will include a continuous concrete safety barrier in the central reserve as well as mounding between the motorway and local access roads to avoid headlight dazzle for motorists.

Low-noise road surfacing will be used to reduce noise levels for nearby residents and noise-barrier fencing will be provided at appropriate locations. Provision is also being made to protect the natural habitat of deer, badgers, great crested newts, otters and migratory birds on the route.

Commenting, Carillion Chief Executive, John McDonough, said: "We are delighted that the Highways Agency is pressing ahead with this important project. We look forward to working with the Highways Agency to upgrade this section of the A1, which will deliver significant safety and other improvements for road users, together with extensive measures to protect the environment."

(CD/JM)