Efforts to improve the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge path take a step forward

Work to invest £1.7m in improvements to a well-used riverside path could take a further step forward next week (11 March).

At a decision session the council’s Executive Member for Transport will be asked to agree to progress work on the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge riverside path to detailed design and construction.

This meeting follows extensive consultation with the local community which over two engagement exercises has seen over 1,000 responses.

In the latest consultation 85.6% supported the proposed design. This included creating separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, improving lighting to help people feel safer when using the paths and changes to the road layout on Jubilee Terrace to improve that area for pedestrians and cyclists and formalise Blue Badge parking.

It also includes work to raise the path, a move which could significantly reduce the average number of days the route is inaccessible each year due to flooding.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said: “This is a well-used path and we are committed to making it better for those who use it and those who’ve said they’ll use it once changes are made.

“A key part of our local transport strategy is to make it easier and better to walk, wheel and cycle in our city. This project is just one example of the work we are doing to try and achieve this.

“We are hugely grateful to the local community for their feedback as we progress this project. Their input has helped shape the designs which are being put forward and we look forward to continuing to work with them as the project progresses.”

National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “It’s fantastic to see York beginning to deliver a high-quality network to enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle. By gearing up our streets for active travel and making sure routes are safe and accessible, we’re making sure that everyone has an opportunity to choose different ways of getting out and about. Listening to what local people say is a really important part of designing spaces that works for everyone.”

Funding for the project has been generated through an award of £1.1 million from Active Travel England which is focused on improvements to the path with additional funding provided across both the council and the York Central programme.

In recent months the council has been carrying out riverside embankment surveys to check their long-term stability. Following a review of this area the Executive Member will also be asked to agree to start work to explore a separately resourced and funded project with a brief to identify the need for remedial works to improve Riverside Embankment stability, ensuring the path can continue to be used for decades to come.

The report will be considered at a decision session for the Executive Member for Transport. The papers are available to view at https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1061&MId=14566. The meeting will be available to view live or on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.