Work to improve the area to the front of York Station is progressing and there are some further changes to be aware of in the coming weeks.
These changes will see significant improvements made to the pavements and public spaces, including the installation of York’s first pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer, and will require a number of pedestrian diversions and overnight lane closures.
Recent work in the area has included paving near Queen Street, the installation of new railings and trees being planted. The pavement on the city walls side of Station Road has also opened up to allow easy access from the bus stops to Blossom Street.
Access to the short stay car park, Blue Badge parking and Tea Room Square is being maintained and is through the portico only. When exiting the area there is no right turn out of Tea Room Square. A diversion is in place via Lendal Gyratory for those travelling towards Blossom Street. Access for cyclists and pedestrians to and from the station is being maintained.
Upcoming works include:
Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February – Night works, 9pm until 6am
Five nights of work are planned during this week:
Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February: Installation of a crossing in front of the station
- During this time, taxis will be diverted from the current taxi rank to a temporary rank outside the station. Signage will be in place and the taxi rank will remain as usual during the day.
- Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February: Site investigation works on Queen Street at the junction of York Railway Institute (York RI)
- This work will require a lane closure on Queen Street with two-way temporary traffic lights in place from 18 – 20 Feb. The lane will reopen each morning.
Monday 23 February – Friday 27 February – Night works, 9pm until 6am
Five nights of work are planned during this week:
Monday 23 February: Minor Footpath works at Tea Room Square
- There will be a diversion on the footpath on Monday 23 February. This will be clearly signed for pedestrians
Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 February: Install a low-voltage duct and gullies across the temporary taxi rank
- There will be no lane closures or temporary traffic lights at this time
- Access to the York RI and NCP car park will remain through the current access road around the back of the RI
- There will be no change to traffic management in the main carriageway during these works.
Monday 2 March – Friday 6 March – Night works, 9pm until 6am
- These night works are needed to install a duct crossing over the main carriageway near the York RI
- This will require a lane closure with two-way temporary traffic lights on Queen Street by the York RI junction
- Access to the York RI and NCP will be via the York RI junction by this time
- Taxis using the temporary taxi rank will exit their junction as usual
From 9 March – 5 nights working 9pm until 6am
- Installation of a duct crossing near the front of the station
- There will be two-way temporary traffic lights in place during this work outside the station
- Access will be maintained at all times
- There will be a small diversion in place for pedestrians during this time
From 16 March – 2 weeks (working Monday to Friday daytime only) - Footway works outside Milner Hotel
- The footpath outside The Milner York hotel will be closed 24/7 for two weeks
- The footpath will be closed from The Milner York hotel to the bottom of Station Rise/Leeman Road junction. Pedestrians heading from the city will be required to cross the road at this signalised junction and use the footpath on the opposite side of the road, by the city wall. Pedestrians will be directed to follow this route until they reach the new crossing point, which will be managed by temporary lights and take them to the front of the station. Pedestrians from the station will be directed to the main crossing where they will be redirected to the city wall side. Detailed map signs in and around the station will show the available pedestrian routes
- Pedestrian access to The Milner York hotel will be maintained via the main entrance on Tea Room Square
The council continues to work closely with the contractor and project partners to minimise disruption.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:
“These latest elements will transform the feel of the area, creating a pedestrian-friendly and welcoming gateway to the city.
“This work will involve some disruption and inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation. Our teams and partners are working hard to minimise disruption as much as possible and help guide people through these changes. We will also continue to share updates throughout each stage of the project to help people plan ahead.”