A MULTI-MILLION-POUND upgrade of York’s power supply will start next week. Northern Powergrid will replace about 6.5km of cables across the city in a £7 million scheme which cause road closures.

Next week, Melrosegate and Green Dykes Lane will be closed at their junction with Hull Road. Traffic lights will be in place for five days. A closure will remain on Green Dykes Lane for two further weeks, with diversions in place.

Work will also be done in areas including Walmgate Stray, Hospital Fields Road, Reginald Road, Campleshon Road, York Racecourse, Pulleyn Park, Hob Moor Stray, Danesfort Avenue, Gale Lane, and crossings over the River Ouse and the East Coast Main Line.

“This is a major project for us and essential if York’s electricity supply is to be protected and enhanced for the future,” said project manager Dave Smith.

“This project is about making sure York’s supply is reliable and not prone to regular faults, as many of our underground cables were laid years ago - some in the 1950s.”