One of the biggest changes to York’s road layout in years will take place next week.
The replacement section of Leeman Road, from Salisbury Road to Marble Arch is set to open at 6am on Tuesday (8 July).
It’s a key milestone in the York Central project behind York Station, one of the largest city centre brownfield regeneration sites in England.
Several bus services will be rerouted.
Numbers 10L, 19 and 59 will run along the new road. There will be new bus stops along the route, including on the new Hudson Boulevard.
This is a dedicated walking and cycling route with benches and a rain garden planted down the middle.
Project director Leon Guyett of Homes England and Network Rail said: “The opening of the new road, walking and cycling routes is a huge step forward for the project, providing safer and more attractive journeys into the city centre for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and drivers.
“The route will not only provide modern sustainable transport infrastructure but will also assist in unlocking York Central for new homes, public realm and commercial space.”
City of York Council’s executive member for transport Cllr Kate Ravilious said: “This is a significant milestone for the York Central project.
“These new travel routes help to unlock the York Central site which will deliver thousands of homes, well-paid jobs and quality public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
About York Central
York Central is a 111 acre site, that is aiming to deliver
- up to 2,500 homes, 20% of which will be affordable
- and up to 1 million sq ft of commercial space for offices, retail and leisure
A network of vibrant public squares linking to surrounding neighbourhoods in the city centre are part of the scheme, as well as improvements to York Station and an expanded and enhanced National Railway Museum
The York Central website is here
“The new routes have safer walking and cycling provision and improved bus and vehicle access. Hudson Boulevard – a dedicated walking and cycling route with beautiful rain gardens and public space along its length – is a particular joy.”
She said the new road will eventually connect directly to Water End, enabling a fast direct bus route to the city centre and removing through traffic from Salisbury Terrace and Garfield Terrace.
Two new bridges will be built over the East Coast Main Line in the second phase of the road. That will provide a York Central connection directly to Water End. It means that vehicle traffic will avoid the residential area around Salisbury Terrace.
Regional director of Sisk Infrastructure Matt Mosley said: “Sisk is proud to have led the construction of this key infrastructure for the City of York.
“The new multiuser network will be the catalyst for expanding the city and providing residential and commercial benefits throughout the region. We have collaborated closely with our client, Homes England, driving best value solutions and significant social value benefits.”
York Central aims to create up to 6,500 jobs and deliver £1.1 billion of gross value added to the economy of York every year.
