Final anti-terror work set to begin

Traffic flow will be restricted like when works took place on Goodramgate in 2023

The last set of anti-terror bollards forming a protective ring round York city centre could mean up to nine weeks of disruption, the council said.

Hostile vehicle measures (HVMs) will be installed at the junction of High Ousegate and Piccadilly from 27 August, completing the work which began last year.

Traffic diversions will be in place and letters have been sent to businesses offering to "discuss access needs", said City of York Council.

A spokesperson added they are sorry for any disruption but the measures would help protect everyone "visiting, working and living in the city centre".

The new high-security sliding bollards will align with the fixed bollards already in place outside All Saints’ Church and at the end of Parliament Street.

While the work is under way, vehicles will only be able to get onto High Ousegate from Parliament Street and then leave the city centre via Coney Street and Lendal.

Signed diversions will be in place.

Access to High Ousegate from Piccadilly will be closed to traffic during the works but when it is complete, the junction will reopen overnight between 17:00 and 10:30 only.

Pedestrian access will be unaffected and from 10:30 until 17:00 Blue Badge holders will be able to enter the city centre as usual through Blake Street and Goodramgate.

A council spokesperson added the work was "expected" to take nine weeks, working in an ancient city means it is difficult to predict the exact length of time.

Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at the council, said: “To support businesses and people in the city centre, our team is ensuring that access remains open, and that anyone using the pavements will have the necessary 1.5 metres width to pass by the work area.

“As with previous installations, we’re working with The York BID to promote local businesses which may be affected.

“Please expect the works to take up to nine weeks although we hope they will finish earlier than that."

The barriers are designed to prevent or hinder hostile vehicle attacks, with City of York Council previously saying the measures were similar to those installed in other British cities.

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