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15
Dec 2022
New crossing on Harrogate's Wetherby Road to be installed next year
A toucan crossing on Harrogate's Wetherby Road looks set to be installed next year after plans were approved.
North Yorkshire County Council proposed the crossing to encourage walking and cycling at the junction with Slingsby Walk.
It will be the fourth set of 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 around Harrogate.
Council officials have estimated the crossing could double the number of cyclists using the Slingsby Walk route, which runs alongside the Stray.
Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at the authority, approved the crossing at a meeting yesterday.
Subject to a feasibility study, it will be installed in the 2023/24 financial year.
The section of Wetherby Road and Slingsby Walk which is earmarked for a new crossing.
Cllr Duncan said:
Likely to increase delays
Council officers have admitted the crossing is likely to cause further delays for drivers.
In a report outlining the proposal, Barrie Mason, assistant director for highways and transportation, accepted the move would likely increase pressure on the road network.
He added there were also officer concerns over “existing traffic congestion on this section of Wetherby Road”.
Read more:
- Wetherby Road crossing ‘likely to cause further delays’ for Harrogate drivers
- Council plans new crossing on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road
However, he said these concerns had to be balanced against the benefit that it would offer to pedestrians and cyclists.
Funding of £75,000 for the crossing has been secured from Harrogate Borough Council’s sustainable transport budget.
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