Work about to start on new pedestrian and cycle bridge in York
23 October 2018
Work to transform York's Scarborough Bridge into a new shared-use pedestrian and cycle bridge is set to start on-site on Monday 29 October.
The new bridge will provide a better traffic-free route for residents and visitors travelling by bike or on foot between the city's rail station and city centre. Ramps at either side will make it accessible for all of users including cyclists, wheelchair users and people pushing prams, and it will also be nearly three times as wide to ensure there is sufficient space for everyone.
Preparation works will start on-site at on Monday ,with the construction of the ramps and steps likely to be finished in the New Year. The exisiting footbridge will be closed from late January when it will be removed and the new bridge will be put in place. People will be able to start using the newly-opened new bridge in March 2019 as long as work is not delayed by harsh winter weather.
Cllr Kim Groves Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: "Scarborough Bridge is a good example of how the Combined Authority, through its CityConnect programme, is working in partnership with others to improve cycling and walking infrastructure across the region.
"Construction of the new, fully-accessible and widened bridge is being supported by funding from our CityConnect programme. Through City Connect we aim to encourage more people to cycle and walk, which we know as well as boosting people's health and saving them, money, brings wider environmental and economic benefits."
Find out more about the CityConnect programme
Executive member for transport and planning, Cllr Peter Dew, said: "Over 3,000 pedestrians and cyclists use Scarborough Bridge everyday, therefore I'm pleased that work will soon be starting to put in place this long overdue upgrade. This is another major step forwards in our aim of providing a traffic free route from York Central and the railway station through to the city centre.
"I hope residents will bear with us during the upgrade works and whilst there is likely to be some disruption we will do everything possible to keep this to a minimum."
Aiden Talbott, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail added: "We're delighted to be working with the council to upgrade the bridge to provide improved connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, and to have encountered such positive support for the project during the public consultation events . We will continue to work closely with the council and local residents to make sure any disruption is kept to the minimum and advertised well in advance."
Throughout the construction of the new bridge Marygate car park will be operating at a reduced capacity as an area will be used for the construction. The path which runs adjacent to Marygate car park, including the existing flood gate close to Scarborough Bridge will also be closed from the end of October with signed diversions in place.
The council's Executive approved the replacement of the footbridge in August after an overwhelmingly positive response to a public consultation last year.