Cyclists in York can’t wait to try it out but as huge wooden planters block the route of York’s new Station Gateway Cycle Track, the council says most of it will soon be ready to use.
However, as we have heard this week, part of this huge and expensive regeneration scheme in York will not be sorted until 2028.
Opposition Liberal Democrat Cllr Andrew Waller said residents who were promised a world-class Station Gateway scheme now faced a long wait for the full layout to fully open.
Andy Shrimpton, spokesperson of the York Cycle Campaign, told YorkMix Radio’s Sunday Late Show (Listen here starts at 22:25), they were hugely disappointed about the delay which Green activist Andy D’Agorne said was unacceptable.
But City of York Council’s Labour transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious said the majority of cycle routes would open in weeks with the remaining one available to use in months despite layout delays.
Council city development lead Garry Taylor said the planters were designed to provide clear and safe arrangements while work on a nearby electricity substation is done.
The substation is set to be switched off and demolished in the coming months, allowing a continuous cycle route to open.
The official added a temporary cycle lane would remain in place ahead of LNER works which will determine the area’s final layout and are expected to finish in 2028.
Council officials have met with those affected by the arrangements and upcoming inspections will determine when most cycle routes can open.
The bill for the Station Gateway scheme stood at £60.1 million as of July, according to council figures, which is more than £34 million over the project’s original budget.
An independent audit found ‘critical’ weaknesses in the way the project was managed including entering a contract ‘at risk’ and later changes leading to delays and increased costs.
The project , which began in 2023, was originally set to be completed by May last year.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have blamed each other for the failings, with the former inheriting contracts drawn up and issued under the latter’s joint administration with the Greens.
Contractors John Sisk & Son began early contractor involvement from April 2023 prior to the main contract starting in September.
Cllr Waller said the giant planters which now blocked the cycle route outside the station perfectly summed up the project.
The Liberal Democrat said: “After all the disruption, delays and massive overspend we are now being told that the final cycle route will not be fully operational until 2028.
“Years after work began, we’re still relying on temporary arrangements and being told to wait even longer for the finished product, this is an embarrassment for York.”
Green activist Mr D’Agorne, who served as transport spokesperson for the previous Liberal Democrat and Green administration, said current arrangements raised safety concerns for cyclists.
Labour transport executive member Cllr Ravilious said her administration was left dealing with arrangements for the contract which the Liberal Democrats and Greens rushed to agree without essential checks.
She said: “A Liberal Democrat councillor facing a no entry sign at the Station Gateway seems apt given the Liberal Democrat and Green Coalition’s approach to this scheme was on a wing and a prayer, leaving the Labour administration to clean up the resulting colossal mess.
“The highways, pavements, new bus stops and cycle lanes are largely complete, with residents and visitors already experiencing a scheme worthy of one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities, while preserving York’s unique character for generations to come.”
Mr Taylor said completing the work remains a priority and officials wanted residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits as soon as possible.
