Changes to £25m station scheme over access fears

The York Gateway scheme will improve access to the city's railway station, according to the council

Changes have been made to a £25m scheme to revamp the front of York railway station, after concerns were raised for people with visual impairments or mobility issues.

The Station Gateway project has already seen the removal of most of a Victorian bridge and will see increased areas for pedestrians, taxis and buses.

A City of York Council report said the scheme had been amended to improve bus stops and footpaths, and add new cycle lanes, following discussions with the city’s Access and Bus forums.

The overall project, which also includes the building of a new station square, is due to be completed in 2025.

City of York Council said most of Queen Street Bridge had been removed, with some parts still in place

York Access Forum told council officials two crossings by the exit to the loop road west of the station would cause problems for people who are blind or partially sighted.

The exit has been changed into a single carriageway and one crossing.

A Y-shaped crossing in front of the York Railway Institute building has also been removed.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the number of pedestrian crossings has also been cut, following concerns that an excessive amount would cause confusion.

A request from the York Bus Forum to increase the number of stops was declined, but they are set to be enlarged to increase waiting capacity by a fifth.

A council report said the changes also included the trialling of countdown timer signals at some pedestrian crossings at the Station Gateway.

Granite sets in cycle lanes on the scheme are set to be swapped for green tarmac.

Recent Station Gateway works include piling to protect a section of the city walls and embankment, and a footpath to provide access to a new bin store at George Stephenson House.

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