North Yorkshire County Council today published details of the forthcoming roadworks on Otley Road due to the construction of a cycle route.
The scheme, which has been beset by delays, will start on September 20, with work taking place between 7am and 5.30pm every weekday.
Temporary traffic lights will also be used and there will be overnight road closures for resurfacing,
The council said it was liaising with Harrogate Grammar School to ensure pupils and vehicles travel safely to the school. Pedestrian access to homes and businesses will remain in place throughout the works.
Officials at the county council said they expected the work to be completed within 10 weeks, dependent on weather conditions.
The Stray Ferret reported this month that Hull-based PBS Constructed Ltd has been commissioned to construct the first phase of the route as part of a £827,100 contract.
Read more:
- More road changes around Beech Grove and Otley Road
- Transport leader expects Harrogate’s Beech Grove road closure to be made permanent
- Hull company awarded £827,000 Otley Road cycle route contract
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said:
“These improvements are being delivered as part of the government’s £4.6 million award to the council from the National Productivity Investment Fund for sustainable transport in the west of Harrogate.
“The measures will help to improve safety and alleviate the congestion experienced along the Otley Road corridor.
“They are essential to accommodating existing traffic and supporting future growth, as set out in Harrogate Borough Council’s Local Plan. The improvements will significantly benefit the community and help to create a better-connected and safer network for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Widening Otley Road
Cllr Mackenzie also apologised for any disruption caused as part of construction of the scheme. He said:
“The work has been timed to start after the busy summer holiday period, but we realise there will be some disruption, so we apologise for that and thank people in anticipation for their patience.
“Most of the work will be carried out during the day, to minimise noise for residents at night, though some work, such as resurfacing, can be carried out only at night under a full road closure.”
Work will include widening Otley Road on the approach to Harlow Moor Road as well as the creation of a designated left turn lane on the western approach to Harlow Moor Road and designated right turn lane on the eastern approach.
An off-road cycle route will also be created between Harlow Moor Road and Cold Bath Road as part of the first phase.
