Road users must endure an extra five months of disruption on one of York’s busiest routes, it was revealed today (Thursday).
Roadworks on Tadcaster Road were scheduled to finish last month. They will now be extended to February 2024.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “There have been a number of challenges faced by the construction team, and these have been difficult to control.
“These include archaeological excavations requiring teams to hand dig on-site, navigating uncharted utility mains services and preserving and working around tree roots, which have all required significantly more time and cost.
“Therefore, construction of the Tadcaster Road scheme which started at the beginning of January 2023, and is now due for completion by the end of February 2024. “
The council says the installation of new drainage has progressed well. So have the the installation of a cycle bypass, cycle lane and footway improvements.
The scheme is funded by the council in partnership with the Department for Transport (Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund: £5m) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Transforming Cities Fund: £1.4m).
The council spokesperson said: “Although a significant amount of work has already been completed, elements of the scheme including the resurfacing, will take place later than originally planned.
“As with any major project, potential delays which are beyond our control can happen, and we’ve financial contingencies in place to address this.
“Our project team and contractors are now putting in place a range of measures to manage this situation and to ensure there is no overspend.”
The council is hosting drop-in sessions to update people on the works.
These will be held at St Edward’s Church, Tadcaster Road on the following dates:
- Saturday 4 November 2023, 12.30-5pm
- Saturday 11 November 2023, 12.30-5pm
- Saturday 16 December 2023, 12.30-5pm
- Sunday 7 January 2023, 12.30 – 5pm.