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05
Feb
Major changes to Harrogate’s widest street to begin next month
Major changes have been in the pipeline for Harrogate's Victoria Avenue for years.
The town’s widest street was long regarded as a key part of a connected cycle route from the town’s bus and train stations to Cardale Park off Otley Road, where thousands of new homes are being built.
But when those plans by North Yorkshire Council crumbled due to lack of funds, other changes were mooted.
The Stray Ferret has followed the saga closely. Last month we revealed plans to relocate the zebra crossing directly in front of the main entrance to St Paul’s United Reformed Church had been scrapped when the church pointed out there would be nowhere for a wedding car or hearse to park.
We previously reported that a proposal to ban traffic from Belford Road turning right on Victoria Avenue had also been abandoned.
Plans to stop traffic turning right have been dropped.
However, significant changes are still planned, and work is due to start next month.
We asked the council for details of what will now take place.
A spokesperson listed the following schemes:
• Traffic signals upgrades including replacing all existing infrastructure and adding new signalised crossing points at junctions with West Park and Station Parade.
• Building out footways at West Park junction to make prohibited straight-ahead movement from Beech Grove more difficult.
The junction of Victoria Avenue and Beech Grove.
• A new bus stop near the West Park United Reformed Church.
• Installation of new block paving at drive crossings to make a continuous footway.
• Installation of new tactile crossing at side roads.
• Relocation of ticket machines from centre of carriageway to edges.
• Installation of new decorative footway lighting.
The zebra crossing will stay where it is - but be upgraded.
• Improvements to existing zebra crossing.
• Repairs to flagged paving as required.
• Resurfacing to carriageway.
• New benches and bins.
• Changes to signage, lining and drainage as required.
Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said in a statement:
Engaging with residents, businesses and other stakeholders is important to us. As a result of feedback, we have taken steps to amend the original plans for Victoria Avenue.
However, we are progressing with the delivery of significant improvements, including to traffic signals, footways and crossings in the area.
These measures are designed to improve safety for pedestrians and road users, as well as improving public transport provision and encouraging uptake of active travel modes including walking, wheeling and cycling.
Work on the improvements is expected to begin in March. As always, we will keep residents informed to ensure, wherever possible, disruption is kept to a minimum while this work is carried out.
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