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15
Aug
Date revealed for completion of Harrogate's Victoria Avenue resurfacing
North Yorkshire Council has shared more information about the delayed resurfacing work on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.
On Sunday, we reported that the cost of the work had increased and the completion date had been pushed back again, but few details of either development had been revealed.
So the Stray Ferret contacted the council to ask when the resurfacing work was scheduled to finish.
A council spokesperson told us:
The resurfacing was scheduled to take place over five nights, but there has also been a slight delay. This work is now expected to be finished by midnight on Monday next week (August 18).
Road markings and the reinstated zebra crossing near the library will also be completed by that deadline.
We also asked how much additional funding had been identified for the resurfacing work.
The spokesperson said:
A total of £280,000 was earmarked for the resurfacing work, but the actual cost will be significantly lower. The final cost has yet to be confirmed, however, as the work is still ongoing.
The huge road resurfacing machine.
The bulk of the scheme, which includes a new bus-stop, signage, benches, bins and decorative footway lighting, started in March and was originally supposed to be finished by July 14, but due to what the council called “unforeseen delays and changes to the scope of the project”, the work was completed last Friday (August 8).
We asked the council how the scope of the work had been extended. The spokesperson said:
The largest piece of extra work which was not included in the original scheme is the replacement of all of the paving between West Park and Princes Square and upgrading the drainage channels. This additional work alone has extended the programme by three weeks.
At the weekend, the council posted on social media that additional funding had been identified that would “allow us to resurface the road in its entirety”.
That work started on Monday (August 11).
But it now appears that the stretch from Station Parade to Queen Parade will not be included. The spokesperson said:
The resurfacing work is being carried out between Station Parade and West Park, including both junctions.
On a more positive note, although the work has been delayed slightly, it transpires that it is actually taking place well in advance of the council’s original plans.
The spokesperson said:
Victoria Avenue was listed to be resurfaced as part of the capital roads programme for the next financial year. However, the carriageway had continued to deteriorate significantly so the decision was taken to bring forward the resurfacing works into this financial year instead.
The resurfacing work is following the improvements to pedestrian facilities to minimise disruption and reduce the need to return to the site.
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