£28m plan to reduce ring road congestion

PLANS TO slash traffic tailbacks along one of the most congested routes in the region, dubbed “Yorkshire’s answer to the M25”, have moved a step forward.

The first proposals to transform York’s Outer Ring Road into a dual carriageway were first discussed more than a decade ago.

Decision-makers at York Council will next week be asked to approve funding to make the £28m scheme a reality, and join the long-congested ring road from the A19 at Shipton Road to Little Hopgrove, at Malton Road.

A report, prepared for the executive meeting, recommends the approval of £2.8m of funding, which will then be supplemented by the Government up to £28m.

It comes as work is now continuing on the outer ring road roundabout scheme in York which, once complete, will see seven roundabouts upgraded.

The report said it has been proposed that both the roundabout and outer ring road dual carriageway schemes should be joined together, in a bid to cut overall costs and delays to motorists.

Coun Peter Dew, executive member for transport and planning, said: “It has long been a desire from residents, commuters and businesses for the A1237 to be dualled.

“I’m pleased that, following the announcement from the Secretary of State earlier this year, we will soon be in a position to decide on the match funding for this long overdue upgrade.

“We’re already on site improving seven roundabouts along the A1237 with larger entrances and exits, therefore I hope we will be able to integrate the two programmes as soon as possible.”

More than £25m worth of funding for the scheme would come from the Government’s Major Road Network Fund.

The outer ring road was once dubbed by Christopher Garnett, former boss of the now-defunct Great North Eastern Railway, as “Yorkshire’s answer to the M25”.