City gets to grips with traffic overhaul

MOTORISTS have been warned to expect traffic tailbacks as the biggest overhaul of York’s congested roads’ network in the past decade began last night.

The improvements are being carried out over the next three weeks on the historic Blossom Street approach to Micklegate Bar, which dates from the Roman era and is used by up to 17,000 drivers every day.

The work on one of the city’s busiest stretches of road is expected to cost nearly 500,000, and will involve installing new traffic signals at the Micklegate junction and a better crossing for pedestrians.

There will also be measures to make it easier for large vehicles to turn left from Blossom Street into Queen Street as well as improved cycle lanes at the notoriously busy junction.

Motorists have been warned to expect delays and have been urged to find alternative routes as the work will see road closures enforced and streets reduced to a single lane.

A York Council spokeswoman said: “Every effort has been made to minimise the inconvenience to motorists, but some delays are unavoidable.”

The work is due to continue until Wednesday, September 22, although a second phase is currently being planned and will be carried out next year.

Senior councillors have stressed that the improvements are vital to prevent more traffic congestion in the future as the authority looks to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads by encouraging public transport.

It is hoped that the improvements will also make one of the main routes into the city safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The stretch of road has seen 25 accidents in the last three years, with three of the crashes leading to serious injuries.

A city-wide public consultation looked at a series of potential improvement schemes and generated more than 5,250 responses.

A preferred option was drawn up by council officers before the scheme was approved in May.