The dualling of the York outer ring road is still set to go ahead despite uncertainty over part of its funding, the council’s deputy leader has said.
York council’s Labour deputy leader Cllr Pete Kilbane said the authority still intended to progress with the £65m project despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing some schemes would be scrapped.
York Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Cllr Stephen Fenton said the government should clarify whether its £25m contribution to the project still stands.
A council spokesperson said they were in contact with the government to try and find out whether minsters’ announcements this week affected the funding.
It comes as Transport Secretary Louise Haigh told Parliament she had ordered a review of spending on future projects on Tuesday.
She added they would move quickly to make recommendations on current and future schemes.
Many schemes are under threat after Ms Reeves’ unveiling of plans to tackle a £22bn financial black hole she said had been inherited from the previous Conservative government.
Parliament heard that this included £2.9bn-worth of unfunded transport commitments.
The announcements have also placed plans for a new train station in Haxby under threat though York Council has said it remains committed to the project.
‘Clarity needed’
Upgrades along the A1237 York Outer Ring Road from the A19 Shiptonthorpe Road to the A1036 Little Hopgrove roundabout were given government approval in April.
The plans, which aim to reduce congestion and draw car traffic out of York city centre, were backed by councillors in March.
Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Cllr Fenton said clarity was needed on the future of the government funding for the scheme.
He added it was critical to support new development north of the city.
The councillor said: “This project is vital for York’s surrounding villages as it will improve their connectivity and help to create the conditions to support more reliable public transport.
“When planning permission was granted it was made clear that failure to implement the dualling scheme would likely lead to a variety of negative impacts on York’s wider transport network.”
York Green transport spokesperson Andy D’Agorne said the Labour government had been right to review major road projects but wrong to look at rail schemes such as Haxby Station.
Council deputy leader Cllr Kilbane said the national funding black hole presented a challenge to all local authorities which they would rise to.
He accused the Liberal Democrats of indulging in idle speculation on the future of the York outer ring road.
Cllr Kilbane said: “Our plan remains to dual sections of the outer ring road as soon as possible, and we continue with our work to progress this project.
“The York Labour administration is committed to improving transport infrastructure across the city centre, suburbs, and villages.”
The council’s spokesperson said: “Following the chancellor’s announcement of a review of transport projects we are awaiting further information from the Department for Transport and Treasury.
“We are in contact with the government after their recent announcement to find out if these commitments have been affected and are keen to continue to work with them on this important project for the city.”