Scarborough Bridge is to close for seven weeks from 9pm on January 26 for improvement works to take place.
The footbridge, which links the train station with the city centre, is used by more than 3,000 people every day.
Commuters will need to take a different route to cross the River Ouse while the existing bridge is removed and a new one is installed.
The bridge and the paths on both the north and south sides of the river will also be shut overnight on January 21 from 10pm until 5.30am on January 22.
The footbridge is set to reopen at 6.30am on March 18.
New one coming
The £4.8 million scheme will see the pedestrian and cycle part of the bridge widened from 1.3 metres to four metres, while ramps will be added to make the bridge easier to use for cyclists, and accessible for people using buggies or wheelchairs.
The improvement works are being funded from the council’s transport budget, as well as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has put £1.9 million towards the plans, and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which is contributing £1.5 million.
Upgrading paths
The cash is set to be used to upgrade paths and cycleways on either side of the bridge.
Council officers, speaking at a transport meeting in December, said the extra work could include straightening the footpath running through the archway on the south side of the bridge to improve visibility.
There are also plans to widen the floodgate on the northern side of the bridge, replace the steps on to St Mary’s and St Mary’s Lane with a ramp and improve the crossing on Bootham at the top of St Mary’s to make it easier for cyclists to use.
Once the designs have been completed, a decision will be made on the proposals at a separate meeting.
Traffic signs and barriers will be put in place while the work is carried out.