PARENTS of youngsters at a York school are being reassured it will be business as usual next week when major roadworks get under way outside the site.

A building and resurfacing project along Osbaldwick Lane, which is expected to take about a fortnight to complete, will begin next Monday, and will mean the road will be closed to traffic for six hours each day.

This will put bus stops along the route out of action and diversions will be put in place to steer traffic along other roads in the area.

Despite these measures, drivers are being warned to expect some delays.

The work will be carried out by contractors Tarmac Ltd on behalf of City of York Council.

Derwent Infant and Junior School, which is in Osbaldwick Lane, says the work will not lead to the school day being disrupted for its 153 pupils.

“We have just been informed that this work will be taking place from next week, but that pedestrian access will not be restricted,” said the school’s business manager, Carol Tuck.

“This means there should be little effect for parents and pupils because the majority of children who attend the school walk here as they live in the local catchment area.

“As the road closures will not start until 9.30am, after the school day starts, this should also minimise any disruption.

“We also want to give assurances to parents that this work will not have any effect whatsoever on staff coming into school as they will be able to use alternative routes if they are travelling by car.

“We don’t foresee any problems, but if anybody encounters them, we advise them to contact the school.”

The work will take place between 8am and 5pm from Monday to Friday each week, with Osbaldwick Lane set to be closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day and diversion signs being installed. The closure will be supervised at each end of the road – which will be open as usual outside the working hours – to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

Motorists who need to use the route while the work is being carried out will have to let traffic management teams on the site know, while signs will also be put up to let bus passengers know the nearest alternative stops.

Businesses are being advised to arrange deliveries outside the closure times.

The council says refuse collections will take place before 9am on each of the two Mondays during the work period.

A spokeswoman said: “As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience, but everything reasonably possible will be done to keep this to a minimum.

Delays are anticipated and drivers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly,”