Temporary traffic lights installed at one of York’s busiest junctions are causing chaos for motorists, affecting buses, taxis and drivers’ daily commutes.
Northern Gas began roadworks at the A19’s junction with Water Lane, by Clifton Green, this week.
Concerned locals are finding it difficult to deal with the traffic, with queues backed up through Water End, Water Lane, and Shipton Road.
The works began on 24 February and are scheduled to run until 24 March.
One local resident told YorkMix his journey time yesterday doubled due to the congestion.
He said, “Traffic was pretty much static on the approaches to Clifton Green. Water Lane was backed up to Burdyke Avenue and traffic was caught between the Rawcliffe Lane junction lights and the roadworks.”
Clifton ward councillor Danny Myers understands residents’ concerns.
He told YorkMix: “It’s pretty awful, traffic’s really bad. It’s difficult for people getting from A to B, buses getting through, and also taxi drivers are seeing a big impact on how they can go about their work.
“It’s having a wide impact.”
As Cllr Myers understands, the lengthy process is due to the large stretch of pipework Northern Gas needs to replace.
“I questioned it with the council who confirmed it would take the full five weeks. As it’s a major piece of work there doesn’t appear to be a prospect of it being done any quicker,” he added.
Cllr Myers said the council is looking at ways to minimise the disruption.
“I asked them to monitor the traffic and the impact it’s having, and they’ve told me that they’re going down every day to alter the signals in any way to get the traffic flowing as best as possible,” Cllr Myers told YorkMix.
His major concern lies with roadworks preventing motorists’ ability to get around the city, but he’s also worried about the build up of idling traffic from Gillygate to Clifton Green.
“Air pollution is a problem and I certainly have it in mind when I’m with my children on that stretch. The tailbacks don’t make for a pleasant environment,” he said.
Overall, he believes congestion in the city needs dealing with as a priority, “The junction at Clifton Green is already very busy every day without roadworks, the same at Wigginton Road and Bootham.
“There’s no slack in the network so when major jobs need doing on the water or gas, or when there’s a crash, it has a massive impact and is a nightmare for residents.”
Mark Mawhoof, operations manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.
“However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of York.”