City of York Council will be relaying the granite sett area of the carriageway on Fossgate adjacent to Foss Bridge this month.

Much of the surface is loose, rutted or has poor pointing and is allowing water to penetrate into the bridge fabric, causing damage to this historic Listed Structure, build in 1811. This waterproofing work will start during the week commencing March 11 and is set to last for six weeks.

Due to the depth of excavation and the required re-construction techniques, it will unfortunately be necessary to carry out the works under a six weeks road closure, which has been previously discussed with the Fossgate Traders.

The one-way order and parking at the top of Fossgate will be temporarily suspended to allow access from/egress to Pavement. The contractor will provide assistance with delivery lorries.

A short traffic diversion route along Piccadilly will be clearly signposted, but access to properties up to the bridge will be maintained as much as possible. Pedestrians will continue to have access to all shops along Fossgate while the work is going on, with through access to Walmgate.

All those directly affected by the works have received a letter explaining what is happening and advance notification signs will be erected at the roadside for the benefit of road users.

Ray Chaplin, head of the council's engineering consultancy, said "The contractor, Ridings Construction, will be excavating the existing road and relaying the whole of the granite sett area onto high-strength mortar, supported by a new reinforced concrete base. Also during the works, the existing kerb and footway on the Blue Bicycle side will be re-laid to prevent rainwater running off into adjacent properties."

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