"Short term pain for long term gain" as York roadworks get underway
Councillors admit it will be frustrating time for drivers
Last updated 13th Jul 2023
We're being warned about major disruption in York over the next few years - as several road work projects get underway.
Councillor say they understand the frustration but it's "short term pain for long term gain".
Current schemes, some ongoing until 2025, include a 45ha development in the centre creating 2,500 homes; construction of a revised layout of Leeman Road and Station Rise; works in Water End; and improvements to Tadcaster Road to ensure it can cope with travel demands while encouraging people to walk, cycle and use the bus.
Bridge maintenance works on the A1237, between Poppleton and Rawcliffe, will take place in the summer.
Upgrades to York train station will happen in the autumn and a planning application to improve the city’s outer ring road has been submitted with the aim of reducing congestion.
Meanwhile it's hoped more people will start using sustainable transport in the City.
Executive member for economy and transport Councillor Pete Kilbane says: “We don’t want to keep the same number of people walking and cycling.
“We want to double it and we will be bringing forward a local transport plan for consultation this year for people to look at some of the ways that we could do that.”
Despite 30 per cent of York residents regularly journeying to work by foot or bike, compared to 9.6 per cent nationally, York’s air quality did not improve last year.
Coun Kilbane said: “In terms of repairing the road network, as a cyclist I can assure you that cyclists are the most affected by potholes because if you hit one of them it can cause you a real problem especially if it’s in the dark.
“Repairing the roads and fixing the potholes actually makes it a lot safer for people to cycle and encourages people to cycle.”