It’s not every day that drivers get to try out a new road.
Today was one of those days – as the newly re-routed Leeman Road opened to traffic in York this morning (Tuesday).
As YorkMix reported last week, the new stretch runs from the Marble Arch tunnel to Salisbury Road.
Video: A journey along the new road
For regular Leeman Road drivers, it is a little disconcerting to turn left after the arch and drive on what feels like the ‘wrong’ side of the National Railway Museum.
The road loops back on itself, but Leeman Road inbound is now closed near to the museum.
Instead drivers can cut through to Garfield Terrace, Salisbury Terrace and Water End.
There were a few teething problems this morning. At one point, traffic ground to a halt when the temporary traffic lights appeared to get stuck on red.
Generally however, the through-flow has been good.
The new segregated cycle routes and footpaths can also be seen our our dashcam video.
Several buses are using the new road – numbers 10L, 19 and 59. There are new bus stops along the route.
Today’s road opening is a milestone in the York Central development, which will see thousands of homes and new shops, businesses and restaurants built in the land behind the station.