Significant Progress Reported on York's Station Gateway Highway Works Ahead of July 7 Meeting

The ongoing highway works at the Station Gateway in York have made significant progress, particularly during night hours when road closures have been in place. The City of York Council is set to provide an update on the project at an Executive meeting scheduled for 7 July 2026. This update will cover the project's financial status and the reasons behind delays that have increased the budget by £5.4 million.

Progress Made

Throughout June 2026, work has been steadily progressing on Station Road, with several key improvements made. These include:

• Resurfacing of Station Road to prepare it for the final road layout, with road markings expected to be completed soon.

• Installation of new traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, featuring a countdown timer for pedestrians, which will be the first of its kind in York.

• Construction of traffic islands to enhance road safety.

• Application of Hardicrete around Tea Room Square to prolong the life of the surfaces.

• The cycle lane adjacent to the city walls is nearing completion, set to open in the coming weeks.

• Most of the coping stones near the city walls have been laid, with the remaining stones to be placed by hand.

Upcoming Works

Looking ahead, several areas will begin to open up to traffic and pedestrians in the next few weeks. Notably, work is planned over the weekend of 3 to 5 July, when Hardicrete will be laid at bus stops near York Station. This work will temporarily close the bus stops from 8.00 pm on Friday until 6.00 am on Monday. However, the road will remain open for two-way traffic, with temporary traffic lights in place.

Additional details include:

• The short stay car park will remain accessible during this time.

• Bus diversions will be implemented, and a shuttle bus will operate to assist travellers in the area.

• At the Premier Inn Junction, further work is needed, including the installation of kerbs and railings outside Queen Street properties, along with the surfacing of the junction. Green tarmac will be used at key junctions to highlight cycle lanes.

Financial Considerations

The project's financial situation will be scrutinised at the upcoming Executive meeting. Last year, £54.7 million was allocated for the entire programme, with a target completion date for Package 2 set for January 2026. However, unexpected challenges have pushed the completion date to Summer 2026. These challenges include:

• Additional work required on the retaining wall that supports York's historic city walls.

• The discovery of an underground Victorian attenuation tank, which was not initially accounted for.

• Delays related to the Substation Lease Agreement, which has postponed the removal of the existing substation.

These issues have contributed to the increased expenditure of £5.4 million, which is proposed to be covered by budget underspends from other transport projects.

Community Impact and Feedback

Councillor Kate Ravilious, the Executive Member for Transport, expressed gratitude to the community for their patience during the night works. She noted:

“We’ve worked with a wide range of partners to keep disruption to a minimum, including reopening the road each morning.”

She highlighted the progress made despite the varying weather conditions in June.

Furthermore, Councillor Katie Lomas, the Executive Member for Finance, emphasised the complexity of the project. She stated:

“Our focus is on completing these works as quickly as possible so that people get to experience the benefits of the new spaces that have been created.”

She also mentioned that measures have been put in place to improve project management and governance for future projects, helping to mitigate risks and potential costs.

Viewing the Meeting

The report regarding the highway works will be presented during the Executive Meeting on Tuesday, 7 July. Those interested in following the meeting can view it live or on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts. Meeting papers will also be accessible online for those who want to learn more about the project's status and plans.

The ongoing improvements at Station Gateway signify a commitment to enhancing transportation in York, while also preserving the city's historical integrity. As the project continues, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a more functional and safer environment around the station area.