Work is due to begin tomorrow (February 9) to construct a crossing on Oatlands Drive in Harrogate at a cost of £150,000.

It is one of two new crossings that will help cyclists and pedestrians on Slingsby Walk to navigate junctions with main roads.

A crossing at the junction of Slingsby Walk and Wetherby Road was completed in October.

Now North Yorkshire Council has put up signs near St Aidan’s Church of England High School saying work will get underway at the junction of Slingsby Walk and Oatlands Drive.

Construction is due to last until February 20 and, according to signs, will involve closing the road on February 19 and 20.

Unlike the Wetherby Road toucan crossing, this will be a parallel crossing, which includes a cycle lane, allowing cyclists to cross without dismounting. 

Yellow lines to follow?

The parallel crossing could be the first of several active travel measures for Oatlands Drive.

The council announced plans in 2024 to introduce double yellow lines on both sides of the road and traffic calming measures after previous proposals to make the road one-way were ditched.

Oatlands Drive currently has double yellow lines on the western side between Slingsby Walk and York Place. Cars often park in the cycle lane on the opposite side, and mount the Stray, especially when football matches take place at weekends.

A council spokesperson said:

“The council will be carrying out further consultation with residents and stakeholders on the proposed parking and waiting restrictions on Oatlands Drive. Design work for the 20mph zone and traffic-calming measures are ongoing with public consultation planned in the spring. Subject to the outcomes of that consultation, construction is due to be scheduled for later in the 2026/27 financial year.”

Gia Margolis, of Harrogate leisure cycling group Wheel Easy, welcomed the new crossing. She said: “It will make a great link to the safe crossing at Wetherby Road end.”