City of York Council will begin important safety improvements on the Outer Ring Road (A1237) at its junction with Moor Lane on Wednesday (March 20).

Ray Chaplin, head of the council's engineering consultancy, said "There have been many accidents at this junction over recent years involving vehicles exiting Moor Lane onto the Outer Ring Road.

"This improvement scheme, which involves lengthening and widening the left turn slip lane off the A1237, will provide motorists with better visibility of traffic on the Outer Ring Road.

"This change should make it both easier and safer for drivers to exit Moor Lane by helping them to more easily see the oncoming traffic and then judge when it is safe to pull out."

Moor Lane will also be widened slightly to reduce the problem of drivers waiting to turn right onto the A1237 blocking the path of those wishing to exit to turn left. This will reduce the vehicle overrun of the verge which is currently being practised by frustrated drivers.

During the work two-way traffic flow will be maintained along the A1237. It will be necessary to narrow the traffic lanes using cones and to apply a 30mph speed restriction through the construction area in order for the contractor to carry out the works safely.

However, whilst the work is in progress it will be necessary to prohibit the right turns into and out of both the Moor Lane and Askham Bryan Lane junctions. Diversion routes will be signed.

The work is expected to last about six weeks and will be undertaken by Tarmac Northern Ltd of Bradford.

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