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Delays to station cycle scheme in York criticised

Joe GerrardLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageCity of York Council A brick station building with a clock on it. A footpath with people on it and a line of silver bollards. A wooden planter with a no entry sign on it and plants in the top blocks a path next to the bollards. A road next to the path has cars and a bus on it.City of York Council
City of York Council says the permanent route outside the railway station would not open until works finish in 2028

Delays to the opening of a permanent cycle route outside York railway station have been criticised by campaigners.

City of York Council said the final route would not open until work at the site was completed in 2028, with temporary planters installed on part of the path to provide a safe temporary arrangement.

Andy Shrimpton, spokesperson for York Cycle Campaign, said the community group was hugely disappointed by the delay.

But Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport, said the majority of the new cycle routes would open within weeks and people were "already experiencing a scheme worthy of one of Britain's most beautiful and historic cities".

The planters were placed on part of the cycle route to provide clear and safe arrangements while works on a nearby electricity substation were completed, Garry Taylor, council city development lead said.

The substation is expected to be switched off and demolished in the coming months, allowing a continuous temporary cycle route to open.

He added that the temporary cycle route would remain in place ahead of works by LNER.

These would determine the area's final layout and are expected to finish in 2028.

Council officials said they had met with those affected by the arrangements and upcoming inspections would determine when most cycle routes would open, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ravilious said: "The highways, pavements, new bus stops and cycle lanes are largely complete, with residents and visitors already experiencing a scheme worthy of one of Britain's most beautiful and historic cities, while preserving York's unique character for generations to come."

The cost of the Station Gateway scheme reached £60.1m in July, according to council figures, meaning it was more than £34m over the project's original budget.

The project, which began in 2023, was originally expected to be completed by May last year.

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