(Image: Kevin Glenton)
Drivers are being warned of two phases of major work that will affect one of York’s most popular main streets.
The works will take place in two phases along Bishopthorpe Road during August.
Motorists are being reminded of lane closures and overnight road closures to replace aging traffic lights and improve drainage along the busy street.
The road will also be resurfaced, with markings refreshed.
Phase one of the works will take place from August 3 to August 13, with works carried out primarily between 9am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am till 5pm during the weekend.
The southbound lane of Bishopthorpe Road will be closed 24/7 during this time, with diversions signposted to alert drivers and cyclists, City of York Council confirmed.
As The Press reported, £77,000 work on traffic signals at the pedestrian crossing by Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop in Bishopthorpe Road is set to begin on Monday, August 3 and finish on Tuesday, August 14.
A spokesperson said: “On Tuesday (August 4) and Wednesday (August 5), a full overnight road closure covering both directions will be in place between 8pm until 6am the next morning, to carry out installation works.
“Ebor Street will be closed during planned work hours to allow for drainage works to take place.”
Motorists will be diverted via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street and Scarcroft Road, with cyclists able to use Darnborough Street, Cherry Street and Vine Street.
Bus services 11, 15 and 21 will be affected by the closures and diverted via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street and Scarcroft Road.
The council added that the Bishopthorpe Road shops bus stop will be suspended during Phase 1 of the works.
A temporary bus stop will be set up in Scarcroft Road, outside St Clements Church.
Meanwhile, pedestrian crossing will be maintained, with the aid of temporary crossing points.
Later in August, Bishopthorpe Road will be preparing for resurfacing works.
The road will be closed overnight from 8pm till 6am on Monday (August 24) and Tuesday (August 25).
Signposted diversions will be in place for motorists and cyclists along Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street and Scarcroft Road.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “All on-street parking in the working area and within close proximity to the works will be suspended at these times, although specific access requirements may be arranged by speaking to the site traffic management operatives.
“Residents of Ebor Street will be allowed access during these periods but will be requested to park elsewhere if possible. Waste collection is to be allowed and will be co-ordinated by CYC Highways.
“Having already completed projects on Foss Islands and Copmanthorpe Link Road, the council continues to deliver our programme of Traffic Signal Asset Renewal (TSAR) works and Highways Maintenance works, like those recently carried out on Museum Street.”
Businesses along the street will be open as usual during the works.
'We’re grateful for everyone’s patience while we get this work done'
The council is asking people to plan ahead before travelling through the area.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “Our work to improve York’s roads means smoother journeys and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience while we get this work done.
“Across the whole of York, we look after over 500 miles of roads. Maintaining all of these plays a crucial part in keeping everyone moving in the city, and as part of our planned highway maintenance programme and traffic signal renewal programme, we’ll be carrying out important works the junction of Bishopthorpe Road with Ebor Street throughout August.
“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. We will also be taking advantage of the road closure to carry out general improvements to the street environment, making it more accessible to all.
“We are doing all that we can to minimise disruption, offering diversions, sharing this information early and sending letters to local residents and businesses. Businesses are open for business throughout, but we are asking people to plan ahead.”
Where there are footways, pedestrian and mobility aid routes will remain open to the public, to allow residents safe access to properties and homes.
Full details of the planned improvements and traffic diversions are available here.