Just as it looked like the misery was nearly over…
Traffic jams caused by a lane closure on the York outer ring road were due to come to an end on Monday (30 September).
But they are to drag on for another week, National Highways confirmed today.
The lane closure is on the eastbound carriageway of the A64 between Askham Bar and Fulford Interchange.
It has also caused knock-on congestion on Tadcaster Road and the A19.
Road users have shared their frustration with YorkMix. “The traffic down Tadcaster Road is crazy,” one said. “It’s taking up to half an hour to do a mile as everyone is coming off the A64 a junction earlier.”
Another commented: “What a joke. The knock-on effect this has had on the roads into town is ridiculous.”
We were told that the problem would be fixed and the lane reopened by Monday (30 September).
But work has been delayed. Now – if all goes to plan and the weather is kind – the road will be fully opened by Sunday, 6 October.
The closure was necessary after a vehicle crashed into the parapet on the bridge over the River Ouse on 1 September, damaging it.
The lane was coned off as a safety measure. National Highways said a replacement part had to be made to order to fix the bridge which has led to the delays.
‘Thanks for your patience’
Today, National Highways service manager Mandy Foster gave us this update: “One lane on the A64 has been closed for everyone’s safety while awaiting a bridge parapet repair, and we apologise for the delays caused.
“We now anticipate the new parapet sections will be ready to be installed from 3 October.
“We are then scheduled to be on site over the following two nights to fix them into place. We currently expect the work to be completed and the lane reopened by the end of next week, depending on weather conditions.
“We would like to thank everybody for their continued patience during these works.”
Further updates will be shared on National Highways’ X feed, @HighwaysYorks and the National Highways: Yorkshire Facebook page.