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24
Feb
Harrogate roadworks begin amid claim of ‘farcical’ 23-minute diversion
One set of roadworks in Harrogate finally came to an end yesterday — hours before another set brought what is expected to be several weeks of disruption to Ripon Road and Jennyfields.
Long-term roadworks reduced Copthall Bridge to single lane traffic to facilitate the £10 millions refurbishment of office block Copthall Bridge House.
The roadworks were initially due to finish by April 2, 2024 but ended up lasting 10 months longer.
Copthall Bridge yesterday
Hours later, cones went up on Ripon Road to mark the start of roadworks expected to last six weeks. You can read more here.
Motorist Paul Langley uploaded a video on social media of him following the diversion signs from the leisure centre at the junction of Ripon Road and Jenny Field Drive.
Mr Langley said:
Safe to say what a joke! The whole signage officially puts you into a total loop between New Park roundabout, the Empress roundabout and the Prince of Wales roundabout. The whole saga with no traffic takes 23 mins. What a farce!
The closure at the junction of Ripon Road and Coppice Avenue.
Motorists might be better off ignoring the signs.
Ripon Road was closed last night at the junctions with Hampsthwaite Road and Coppice Avenue.
It meant drivers travelling north on Ripon Road could make a short detour along Hampsthwaite Road, Coppice Gate and Coppice Avenue before turning back onto Ripon Road, and vice-versa in the opposite direction.
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