Landslip Danger Closes Road

A stretch of coastal road in North Yorkshire is set to be closed because of the danger of landslips.

According to the BBC, temporary traffic lights have been set up on the old A165 Filey Road linking Cayton Bay and Osgodby.

A county council spokesman said: “Given the unpredictable nature of further slippage it is expected the old A165 will have to be closed very soon.”

The landslips have already led to the demolition on safety grounds of three cliff-top homes at nearby Knipe Point.

A council spokesman said: “It is very fortunate that the new A165 Scarborough to Lebberston diversion was completed last year.

“One of the factors why the new road scheme received priority funding was associated with the long term sustainability of the old A165 route.

“However, it was not anticipated that the route would have to be restricted or closed this soon.”

Regarding the possibility of stabilising and maintaining the road, they stated: “Significant engineering works would be required to even temporarily stabilise the highway, and given the topography and geology of the area the highway authority is not in a position to maintain the route.”

It is expected that pedestrian access will still be maintained on the south side of the highway.

The council has had to weigh up the considerable cost that it would take to maintain the road and stabilise it from further land slippage. The risk in continuing to allow a volume of motor traffic on the road is seemingly considerable as these slippages seem to be becoming increasingly frequent. This might lead to road users suffering injury if they use the road when a slip occurs. The council has made a choice that ensures the safety of the public and, as they say, there is fortunately a new road in place which can be used in the alternative.