Drivers are being warned that a key inbound route to York will soon be closed for up to two weeks.
Work to fix the sinkhole which opened on St Leonard’s Place will begin after rush hour on Tuesday (27 May), from 9.30am.
It will mean St Leonard’s Place will be closed to inbound traffic from Bootham Bar, with diversions in place.
Outbound traffic, from Museum Street to Bootham/Gillygate, will be able to use St Leonard’s Place.
Here is the official advice from City of York Council.
Travel by car
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “We’re expecting the city centre to be very busy so are advising people to choose walking, cycling and public transport travel options where possible.”
From North – A19 and via Gillygate
Diversions will be in place with the lane closed to inbound traffic on St Leonard’s Place (from Bootham and Gillygate). “For any drivers who need to traverse the city we recommend using the outer ring road where possible.”
Blue Badge holders
Access to Blue Badge spaces will remain open but diversions are in place if coming from the North (including Bootham and Gillygate).
For those using Blake Street to access the city centre, or the Blue Badge holder parking bays on Duncombe Place, access will be available from Museum Street after travelling across Lendal Bridge.
Cyclists
Cyclists will be able to use a signed diversion under Bootham Bar, along High Petergate and right on to Duncombe Place.
Alternatively, cyclists can dismount and walk their bike along the pavements on St Leonard’s Place.
Those travelling outbound from Museum Street towards Bootham and Gillygate will be able to travel down St Leonard’s Place.
Travel by bus
Buses will continue to operate but some routes will be diverted as a result of the road closure. This will include the temporary relocation of some bus stops so plan ahead and allow extra time to travel.
The map below shows diversions from Tuesday 27 May:
Buses 1, 5 and 5A
Acomb-bound buses from Clarence Street then via Lord Mayor’s Walk, Monkgate, Foss Bank, Stonebow, Coppergate, Low Ousegate, Rougier Street resuming normal route at Station Road.
Strensall and Haxby-bound buses via Rougier St, Low Ousegate, Clifford St, Piccadilly, Stonebow, Lord Mayor’s Walk resuming normal route at Clarence Street.
The nearest alternative stops to St Leonards Place will be Station Road stops CD and CE (towards Acomb) and Rougier Street stop CF (towards Strensall and Haxby).
Bus 2 and 2A
Will have significant diversions inbound from Shipton Road right on to Water End (stop at Water End instead of Clifton Green inbound), then left on to Holgate Road, Blossom Street, Queen Street, Station Road resuming normal route at Station Avenue. Normal outbound route back to Park & Ride site.
All city centre passengers can continue to board at Station Avenue stop RM and Museum Street stop EA. Clifton Green inbound passengers can board at Water End.
Bus 6
University-bound buses from Clarence Street left on to Lord Mayor’s Walk then Monkgate, Foss Bank, Stonebow, Coppergate, Low Ousegate, Rougier Street, turn at Lendal Gyratory and resume normal route back via Stonebow to Campus East. Clifton Moor-bound buses from Rougier Street, turn at Lendal Gyratory then via Rougier Street, Low Ousegate, Clifford Street, Piccadilly, Stonebow, Lord Mayor’s Walk resuming normal route at Clarence Street.
The nearest alternative stops to St Leonards Place will be the normal service 6 stops at Rougier Street stops CB and CF. Ensure you’re aware which direction your bus is heading as service 6 will be passing both stops in both directions.
Buses 30, 30X and 31X
Will divert either via Leeman Road or Holgate Road depending on the vehicle type being used.
City centre passengers can board at Station Avenue stop RM or the temporary stop at 4 St Leonard’s Place.
Bus 80
Will divert via Holgate Road as per buses 2 and 2A above.
City centre passengers can board at Station Avenue stop RM or the temporary stop at 4 St Leonard’s Place.
Bus 19 and tour buses
These buses will continue to use their normal stops at Exhibition Square.