Two major York projects hit by delays

Two major York projects have been hit by delays.

The Government agreed to put essential funding towards the York Central and train station frontage plans in March – but details have not yet emerged about when the money could be made available.

And plans to dual the outer ring road – the A1237 – and upgrade the roundabouts have been delayed because the project will now be rolled into a single scheme

A report to the West Yorkshire and York Investment Committee also outlines the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on major projects. It has led to a shortage of materials because some quarries have closed.

It says: “The main impact is on projects that were due to start on site either in March 2020 or in the first quarter of 2020/21, all of these are currently being delayed by a minimum of three months.”

Issues include contractors being unwilling to start projects in the current climate, difficulties with organising consultations where residents can have their say about projects, and IT problems at some organisations.

Ready to start

The combined authority has written to the government to ask for support and deadline extensions for major projects.

Neil Ferris, director of economy at City of York Council, said: “The York Central Partnership is in discussion with the government about the details of the funding, including the timing of the investment.

“In the meantime, we continue to work on the site on the site and have a contractor in place so we will be ready to start work as soon as we receive the necessary permission.”

Speaking about the outer ring road project, he said: “The delay to the roundabout work reflects February’s executive decision to combine the dualling project with the West Yorkshire-funded scheme to upgrade seven roundabouts.

“This makes more economic sense, will allow coordinated design and construction and will ultimately limit the disruption caused by the works.

“The two schemes aim to deliver improvements for people using all types of travel providing an alternative to city centre routes thus reducing congestion and improving air quality in our urban areas.”

He said both schemes will be developed in consultation with residents and promote travel by walking, bicycle or public transport.