UPDATE: This report has been superseded - click here for the latest development
Deadline day has passed without the planning green light for Hull’s £355 million A63 Castle Street upgrade.
The Highways England scheme, which was given financial sign off in this month’s Budget, remains on the desk of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, having cleared Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s.
Coronavirus has dominated the Westminster agenda, and the day before the determination deadline - on March 23 - it was stated that the Development Consent Order application remains with the Secretary of State for consideration.
National Infrastructure Planning issued a recommendation report on Christmas Eve.
It appears imminent though, as a further update on Wednesday has ensured all interested parties have logged their contact details to “minimise any delays which could arise if the postal service is affected” due to Covid-19.
After the Budget inclusion it would appear a formality, though there may be fears the unprecedented financial response to the outbreak could squeeze spending.
The A63 Castle Street Improvement will be the most expensive road project ever seen in Hull.
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At the core is a complete transformation of the existing Mytongate junction - used by 47,000 vehicles a day in normal times.
The main east-west route through the city centre to the industrial east will be lowered under a new carriageway linking Ferensway and Commercial Road.
The A63 between Princes Dock and Myton Bridge will be widened to three lanes while another pedestrian footbridge will be constructed at Porter Street.
All of the existing traffic lights are to be removed between Myton Bridge and the Daltry Street flyover along with the ground-level pedestrian crossings.