Road improvement scheme starts on key route

3 hours ago

Andrew BartonYorkshire

News image — The first phase of works take place between 3 August and 13 August, with a second phase between 24 and 25 August

BBC This image shows a high street lined with brick buildings: a mix of shops and businesses. A two-lane road runs through the center of the scene with colorful triangular bunting flags strung across the street. Strings of small overhead lights are also suspended above the road. — The first phase of works take place between 3 August and 13 August, with a second phase between 24 and 25 August

Motorists, cyclists and bus passengers in York are being warned to expect disruption ahead of a major programme of road works aimed at making journeys "smoother and safer".

City of York Council said the Bishopthorpe Road scheme, scheduled throughout August, would include resurfacing, drainage improvements, refreshed road markings and the replacement of "ageing traffic lights".

The works are taking place in two phases, from 3-13 August and again on 24 and 25 August.

Councillor Kate Ravilious said the new traffic signals would help reduce waiting times for pedestrians and improve accessibility along the route.

"We are doing all that we can to minimise disruption, offering diversions, sharing this information early and sending letters to local residents and businesses," she said.

'Plan ahead'

During the first phase, the southbound lane of Bishopthorpe Road will be closed throughout the works, with diversions in place for motorists, cyclists and buses.

Overnight closures affecting both directions will be in force between 20:00 and 06:00 BST on 4 and 5 August, to allow installation work to be carried out safely.

A second overnight road closure for additional resurfacing work was planned for 24 and 25 August, with Ebor Street also closed during working hours, while drainage improvements were completed, the authority said.

Officials said signed diversion routes would be provided throughout the project and temporary crossing points would ensure pedestrian routes were maintained.

A council spokesperson said bus services 11, 15 and 21 would be diverted during the closures, with the bus stop serving the Bishopthorpe Road shopping area suspended and replaced with a temporary stop on nearby Scarcroft Road.

Ravilious, the council's executive member for transport, said: "The installation of the new traffic signals will allow us to programme the lights more effectively, ensuring pedestrians don't have to wait as long to cross the road."

She added that businesses would remain open throughout the works and urged people to plan ahead before travelling through the area.

The council said access for pedestrians, mobility aid users, residents and emergency services would be maintained wherever possible.

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