Bishopthorpe Road/Scarcroft Road junction improvements

Ageing and outdated traffic signals at the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and Scarcroft Road are set to be replaced next month by City of York Council, as part of a scheme to help improve pedestrian access and ease congestion in the area.

The works will include replacing all the ageing traffic signal equipment, creating a new pedestrian crossing on Bishopthorpe Road, removing the small central triangular island on Bishopthorpe Road and widening/resurfacing the footway.

Works will start on Monday 9 September and are estimated to take around four weeks to complete. The hours of working will be 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.

In order to safely construct part of the work some evening works may be required. Notification of these will be provided in advance. 

Works will be suspended between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 September due to the York Balloon Fiesta.

The new technology being installed will help to manage traffic in the area and enable the new systems to link direct to the council’s Traffic and Control Centre, so that Network Monitoring Officers can manage the flow of traffic better in busy periods.

The right turn from Scarcroft Road to Bishopthorpe Road will be closed during the works and diversion routes will be in place.

During the works it is anticipated that all bus services will operate as normal, however there will be delays when travelling through the junction. 

The junction will be operating under temporary signals during the works and motorists are expected to experience delays while the works are underway.

Cllr Andy D'Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “From 9 September we will be carrying out major works to install new traffic signal technology at this key junction, which will help to manage congestion and provide additional pedestrian crossing facilities in this area.

“During the works we will be managing the road network to reduce delays where we can, but we do urge residents and commuters to plan ahead. Please allow more time for journeys and consider using public transport where possible.”

Controlled pedestrian crossings will be provided during construction to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.  There will be some temporary footway closures in place; however, full access will be retained to all businesses and properties at all times.

As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption. Residents and businesses are assured that everything reasonably possible will be done to keep this to a minimum.

Bus passengers are asked to visit www.itravelyork.info for more information on how the works will impact on their journey.

For information regarding the scheme during the works visit: www.york.gov.uk/BishyRd

Frequently Asked Questions

What are we doing?

We will be upgrading the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and Scarcroft Road by replacing the old outdated traffic signals with new, more reliable, ones. We will also be creating a new pedestrian crossing on the north side of Bishopthorpe Road, removing the small central triangular island in Bishopthorpe Road and widening/resurfacing the footway.

Why are we doing it

The new technology being installed will help to manage congestion in the area and enable the new systems to link direct to the council’s Traffic and Control Centre, so that Network Monitoring Officers can manage the flow of traffic in busy periods.

When are we doing it?

Works will start on Monday 9 September and are estimated to take around four weeks to complete. The hours of working will be 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.

In order to safely construct part of the work some evening works may be required. Notification of these will be provided in advance. 

Works will be suspended between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 September due to the York Balloon Fiesta.

What is the impact on traffic during the works?

We are expecting significant delays during the works. We will be managing the network as much as we can to help reduce delays but residents and commuters are urged to plan ahead, allow more time for journeys on these routes and to consider alternatives and to use public transport where possible.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place at the junction for up to two weeks towards the end of the works. Although we will attempt to keep delays to a minimum, motorists are expected to experience some delays while the works are underway.

What will happen to buses?

It is anticipated that buses will continue to operate as normal during the works but please expect delays.

Please visit iTravel York website for more information. www.itravelyork.info

Will I still be able to cross the road?

Controlled pedestrian crossings will be provided during construction to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.  There will be some temporary footway closures in place; however, full access will be retained to all businesses and properties at all times.

What if I live or work in the area?

Firstly, City of York Council apologises for any disruption that the works cause.  We ask that if you have any issues please speak to the staff on site and we’ll try to correct straight away if we can.  Access to all properties and businesses will be retained at all times but we ask that residents and businesses are patient and cooperate where possible. 

Traffic Marshalls will be on site to assist.

Project Team Contact information:

First Point of Contact: General E-mail address: TSAR@york.gov.uk

If you require additional services email: network.monitoring@york.gov.uk