York is set for weeks of disruption as more anti-terror bollards are installed in the city centre.
But the good news is, this is the final phase of the huge £3.5 million project.
Work to install the sliding bollards at the junction of High Ousegate and Parliament Street will begin on Tuesday, 27 August.
The work won’t be finished until the end of October.
The sliding bollards will align with the fixed ones already installed next to All Saints’ Church near to its Piccadilly/ Parliament Street end.
Once completed, York should be protected against hostile vehicles trying to mount an attack on the city centre.
While the work is ongoing, vehicles will only be able to get onto High Ousegate from Parliament Street and then leave the city centre via Coney Street and Lendal.
Signed diversions will be in place.
Access to High Ousegate from Piccadilly will be closed to traffic during the work. When it is complete, this junction will reopen, as before, between 5pm-10.30am only.
It means High Ousegate will have traffic restricitions for the third time this year. It shut in January due to emergency work by Yorkshire Water, then in May for four weeks to divert a water main to make way for the bollard installation.
Access for pedestrians will be unaffected during the work. From 10.30am to 5pm, Blue Badge holders will be able to enter the city centre as usual through Blake Street and Goodramgate.
Businesses contacted
The work is expected to take up to nine weeks until the end of October.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “As usual, working in an ancient city means that it is difficult to predict the exact length of time it will take. The work has been timed to end well ahead of the busy Christmas Market period.
“Our contractor has delivered letters to all affected businesses announcing this work, offering to discuss their access needs and support.
“The contractor’s traffic marshals will offer support at busy loading and delivery times.”
Traders on streets where bollards have been installed in the past have said the work cost them significant lost revenue.
When the work is completed, it will end a project that has been discussed for four years and has been implemented in phases over 18 months.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, the council’s executive member for transport, said: “This is the last section of the ring of bollards installed to help protect everyone visiting, working and living in the city centre. I’m sorry for any disruption this final work may cause.
“Thank you for your patience and co-operation while it’s underway.”
