MAJOR roadworks are to be carried out on York's outer ring road, to improve access and traffic flow at a busy junction.

The roundabout linking the A1237 with Strensall Road will be widened and resurfaced, with new footways, cycleways and pedestrian crossings added - seven years after the work was first mooted.

Work on the project will start on Monday, and is expected to last six weeks.

A City of York Council spokesperson said: "The completed scheme will increase the overall capacity of the junction, improve traffic flows and consequently improve public transport through a reduction in journey times. Strensall will benefit in particular, due to the introduction of a three-lane approach, with a dedicated left turn lane on to the A1237 on the northern approach to the junction."

Improvements to the roundabout, including an underpass, were included in the city's five year Local Transport Plan in July 2000.

It was hoped that work would take place between 2004 and 2006, but progress stalled and it was left to the council to take the project forward.

Local councillor Madeleine Kirk said: "For many years I have campaigned with local residents for improvements to this roundabout. Since the Highways Agency abandoned proposals for this junction, I have worked with the council to ensure that safety improvements are brought forward as soon as possible. It is disappointing that funding for an underpass for cyclists and pedestrians is not available, but making this roundabout safer and reducing congestion are top priorities."

Most of the work will take place on weekdays, between 9.15am and 4pm. A temporary 30mph speed restriction will be in operation through the works, with two-way traffic flow maintained by the use of narrow lanes. Work on the actual carriageway will be suspended during the school half-term period from October 22 to 26.

The resurfacing phase of the work to the roundabout and its approaches will be carried out at night from November 19 to 23, between 11pm and 6am. Traffic flow will be maintained during these times by the use of temporary traffic signals.

Some disruption and delay should be expected, and although efforts will be made to keep delays to a minimum, drivers using the route through the works are advised to allow extra time and to plan their journeys.


Roadworks in the York area

ROADWORK projects are also going on at Escrick and Holgate.

At Escrick, a temporary 10mph speed limit is in place on the A19, for resurfacing work, while at Holgate Bridge, Network Rail is still working on a major upgrade, more than eight months after it started.