Further persistent heavy rain means river levels in York are expected to rise quickly to between 4.4 to 4.8 metres by tomorrow night (Thursday).
Last February, when the river hit its highest peak since the 2015 floods, it peaked at 4.4m.
Anyone making essential journeys, or who are walking, cycling or running as part of their daily exercise, are asked to take extra care to avoid flooded areas, such as riverside paths and cycle ways.
City of York Council has put defences in place to protect routes that are most likely to be hit, and has written to residents who may be affected to provide them advice and support.
Main roads affected
Note: Anticipated times indicated – times will be affected by rate of rise of river level
- Clementhorpe – closed at Terry Avenue junction.
- Main Street Nether Poppleton – Closed later today
- Naburn Lane – Closed later today
- Fordlands Rd – Closed tomorrow morning. A scaffold walk way is being put in place on the left hand side of the road entering Fordland’s road this evening (Wednesday 20th January). Whilst the walk way is being constructed, a single lane will be maintained for vehicular access until the road is covered by flood water.
- Skeldergate – Closed tomorrow morning – Bus services will be diverted via Tower Street
- Knavesmire Rd – Closed tomorrow
- Bishopthorpe Rd near Crematorium – one lane closed tomorrow route passable – observe traffic management
- A19 Fulford – Defences in place.
- Tower Street – Defences in place
Cycle and pedestrian Routes
- Riverside paths across city /Terry Avenue – Closed
- Millennium bridge (pedestrians/cyclists) – will be closed later today/tomorrow morning
- City Mills bridge (access to City Mills Sheltered housing on Skeldergate) in place.
Driving dangers
People should not drive, cycle or walk through flood water – it can contain hidden obstacles and health hazards. Residents are advised to check their route before travelling, if it is prone to flooding.
Residents are also being advised not to travel through flood water to get a COVID-19 vaccine or to get a COVID-19 test.
“If you can’t attend please wait until you get another invitation,” a council spokesperson said.
The vaccination centre remains open, as do all routes to it.
“While it’s important that people check on vulnerable family, friends or neighbours, COVID-19 cases remain high in the city,” the spokesperson said.
“Therefore it is best to speak to friends via phone or video link, rather than travelling to see them in person if possible. Please remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’ if you check on a vulnerable neighbour, socially distanced on their door step.”
You can contact the council via [email protected] or telephone: 01904 551550.
For travel advice listen to your YorkMix Radio radio and follow @york_travel and @CityofYork on twitter.