Updated with picture: Main York road to close after sudden dip appears
Emergency roadworks will start soon – after a sudden dip appeared in one of York’s best-known roads.
Bishopthorpe Road will be shut for around two weeks from Monday 17 October.
The depression in the road has been spotted close to the traffic lighted pedestrian crossing, near Thomas the Baker.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “The council appreciates this may look alarming for anyone who lives or works in the area and has written to nearby residents and businesses to update them on the situation.”
The section of Bishy Road between Vine Street and Ebor Street will be shut to allow workers to excavate, repair and reinstate the Tarmac on the road.
“At this early stage the authority believes that the cause of the dip is an old tramway under the road which is settling,” the council said.
“Until the more detailed investigations have taken place, the authority will not be able to identify the exact timescales of repair, but it’s hoped it will take around two weeks.
“Due to the substantial construction of the highway in this area, it is unlikely the depression will dip further prior to the planned excavation works and is being monitored for any changes.”
What the works mean
During the work, no vehicles will be able to access Bishopthorpe Road between Vine Street and Ebor Street.
High steel fencing will surround the site to keep people safe.
Traffic will be diverted around Nunnery Lane and Scarcroft Road.
Cyclists will be diverted around Vine Street, Cherry Street and Darnborough Street.
Access to Vine Street and Ebor Street will be maintained throughout the works as will access to the car park on Bishopthorpe Road.
Bus services will divert via The Mount and Scarcroft Road. “Please check with bus operators before travelling,” the council says.
Businesses will be able to unload deliveries up to the road closure then turn around and go back out the way they came, either between Nunnery Lane and Ebor Street or Scarcroft Road and Vine Street.
Businesses are open as usual signage will be placed along the route to support businesses and retailers in the area.
The spokesperson said: “The council appreciates that this will be inconvenient and will do everything reasonably possible to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”