PASSENGERS on two York Park & Ride services and ten other bus services are facing diversions and delays when a key route across the city centre closes completely for six weeks later this month.

City of York Council has warned that residents and commuters should expect delays following the closure of Stonebow from next Monday.

It said the road was set to be re-constructed as part of a £1.1million upgrade to Stonebow, Fossgate and Pavement to improve their appearance and character, create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Alternatives routes are in place for all affected services and users are being asked to plan their travel now to avoid delays or confusion when the works start," said a spokeswoman.

"Affected routes include the Park and Ride at Grimston Bar and at Monks Cross and services 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 25, 181, 840, 843."

Head of transport Tony Clarke said: “We know that these road closures will have a direct impact on people and have been encouraging them over the last few weeks to think about their travel plans.

"There are alternative routes in place for all bus services but people may find that the journey takes a little longer or that their normal bus stop is not available.

“We are asking bus users to visit www.itravelyork.info/roadworks to look at the diversions to their routes. We have specifically been raising awareness and communicating early with people to make as many people as possible aware before the road works start.

“We are aiming to complete the works and have the roads back to normal in early April. We apologise for any inconvenience caused throughout the works.”

Here are the key route changes:

•Services 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will divert via James St, Lawrence St, Paragon St, Fishergate and Clifford Street. Stops at Stonebow, Peasholme Green and Layerthorpe will not be served. The nearest alternative stops to Stonebow will be at Clifford Street (stop TC for 6 towards Clifton Moor and 11 towards Bishopthorpe; stop TD for 12 towards Foxwood, 13/14 towards Haxby; stop TG for all services in the other direction)

•Service 8 (Grimston Bar P&R) will divert via Lawrence St, Walmgate and St Denys' Rd, setting down and boarding at Piccadilly PD (outside former Banana Warehouse). Piccadilly PB will not be served.

•Service 9 (Monks Cross P&R) will divert via James St, Lawrence St, Paragon St, Fishergate and Clifford Street. Stops at Stonebow and Peasholme Green will not be served. The nearest alternative stops to Stonebow will be at Clifford Street TG (boarding) / TC (setting down).

•Service 21 will terminate at Piccadilly. Stops at Stonebow, Peasholme Green and Foss Islands Morrisons will not be served. The nearest alternative stop to Stonebow will be at Piccadilly PE.

•Service 25 towards Derwenthorpe will divert via Coppergate, Clifford St, Tower St, Paragon St and Foss Islands Rd. Stonebow will not be served.

•Service 25 towards Fulford will divert via Layerthorpe, Foss Islands Rd, James St, Lawrence St, Walmgate and St Denys' Rd, stopping on the opposite side of Piccadilly (stop PE). Stonebow will not be served and buses in both directions will stop on the same (outbound) side at Foss Islands Morrisons.

•Service 181 will terminate at Piccadilly PE. Stops at Stonebow, Rougier St and Station Ave will not be served.

•Coastliner services (840, 843) will divert via Foss Islands Rd, Paragon St, Fishergate and Clifford St. Stops at Stonebow and Peasholme Green will not be served. The nearest alternative stops to Stonebow will be at Clifford Street (stop TB towards Leeds, stop TG towards Malton and east coast).

•CitySightseeing will divert via Foss Islands Rd and Navigation Rd. Stops at Stonebow and Peasholme Green will not be served.

•Cityzap will follow the daytime route for the duration of service, with all buses terminating at Clifford St TB. Stonebow will not be served.