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24
Sept
‘Full road closure’ announced on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road
Harrogate’s Wetherby Road will be closed for two evenings next month to allow work to be carried out on a new crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.
North Yorkshire Council announced plans for the crossing next to Slingsby Walk, which is a popular route for Stray cyclists and pedestrians, in December 2022.
The move, budgeted to cost £75,000, will create a fourth set of traffic lights in less than a mile between the Empress roundabout and the Woodlands junction, which is already one of the most congested stretches of road in Harrogate.
Barrie Mason, the council’s assistant director for highways and transportation, said at the time the move would likely increase pressure on the road network.
He added: “It is felt, however, that the signalised crossing would be of benefit to pedestrians and cyclists and the safety and movement of vulnerable road users should be prioritised in this location in order to achieve a better balance between travel modes.”
The crossing will be built next to Slingsby Walk.
Now the council has written to nearby residents and businesses informing them work will take place over two phases.
The first phase will take place under two-way traffic signals starting on October 6 and last for eight working days between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
The letter adds:
“The second phase of works will be completed under a full road closure on October 16 and 17 between the hours of 19:00 – 00:00.”
The letter, dated September 22, goes on to say “advance warning signage will be installed on site shortly” and “a fully signed diversion will be in place”.
It continues:
On-site personnel will assist in managing access to properties and businesses within the closure. Please be advised there may be extended periods when access will not be possible due to the nature of the works and physical constraints of the site.
Pedestrian access will not be maintained.
Please note, these works are part of an extensive programme and therefore, some adjustment to this start date or the duration of the works may be necessary should unforeseen circumstances such as significant weather events or emergencies on the highway network arise.
The current view confronting pedestrians and cyclists wishing to cross Slingsby Walk.
In 2023, Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive councillor for highways at the time, said the local authority was “on track to install a toucan crossing on Wetherby Road at the junction with Slingsby Walk during this financial year in a bid to encourage walking and cycling.
“A feasibility study has been carried out and we are now in the design stage of the scheme. This is a key and popular route, and the crossing will make journeys on foot and by bike safer and more convenient.”
Two years later, it seems the scheme is set to be delivered.
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