Plan ahead for upcoming works on Bishopthorpe Junction

As part of a long-term programme to resurface York’s roads and replace, upgrade, and maintain traffic light systems across the city, the council will be working on Bishopthorpe Road throughout August.

This work will see ageing traffic lights replaced, improved drainage, refreshed road markings and resurfaced roads to make journeys in the area smoother and safer.

To enable these works to be undertaken safely, there will be times where there are lane closures and overnight road closures in place. Businesses will be open as usual, and we are asking people to plan ahead before travelling through the area.

The works on Bishopthorpe Road will take place in two phases.

The first phase of works will be undertaken between 3 August and 13 August 2026, with a second phase between Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August 2026.

Phase 1 (3-13 August)

• During Phase 1 works will primarily be carried out between 9am-7pm on Monday to Friday, and 9am-5pm on weekends. The southbound lane of Bishopthorpe Road will be closed 24/7 for the duration of these works. Signposted diversions will be in place.
• On Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 August, a full overnight road closure covering both directions will be in place between 8pm until 6am the next morning, to carry out installation works.

• Ebor Street will be closed during planned during work hours to allow for drainage works to take place.

Phase 2 (24-25 August)

• Resurfacing works will require an overnight road closure from Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August 2026 (8pm-6am).

Signposted diversions will in place for motorists and cyclists on both routes.

During Phase 1:

• motorists will be diverted via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street, and Scarcroft Road.

• cyclists will be diverted onto Darnborough Street, Cherry Street, and Vine Street.

• bus services 11, 15 and 21 Services will be affected by the closures and diverted via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street, and Scarcroft Road.
• the bus stop at Bishopthorpe Road shops will be suspended for the extents of the work and a temporary bus stop provided on Scarcroft Road outside St Clements Church.
• temporary crossing points will be available ensure that all pedestrian crossings are maintained.

During Phase 2:

• Motorists and cyclists will be diverted along Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street, and Scarcroft Road.

All on-street parking in the working area and within close proximity to the works will be suspended at these times, although specific access requirements may be arranged by speaking to the site traffic management operatives.

Residents of Ebor Street will be allowed access during these periods but will be requested to park elsewhere if possible. Waste collection is to be allowed and will be co-ordinated by CYC Highways.

Having already completed projects on Foss Islands and Copmanthorpe Link Road, the Council continues to deliver our programme of Traffic Signal Asset Renewal (TSAR) works and Highways Maintenance works, like those recently carried out on Museum Street.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

“Our work to improve York’s roads means smoother journeys and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience while we get this work done.

“Across the whole of York, we look after over 500 miles of roads. Maintaining all of these plays a crucial part in keeping everyone moving in the city, and as part of our planned highway maintenance programme and traffic signal renewal programme, we’ll be carrying out important works the junction of Bishopthorpe Road with Ebor Street throughout August.

“The installation of the new traffic signals will allow us to programme the lights more effectively, ensuring pedestrians don’t have to wait as long to cross the road. We will also be taking advantage of the road closure to carry out general improvements to the street environment, making it more accessible to all.

“We are doing all that we can to minimise disruption, offering diversions, sharing this information early and sending letters to local residents and businesses. Businesses are open for business throughout, but we are asking people to plan ahead.”

Where there are footways, pedestrian and mobility aid routes will remain open to the public, to allow residents safe access to properties and homes. Businesses will also remain open and emergency services will always be allowed through.

Full details of the planned improvements and traffic diversions are available here: https://www.york.gov.uk/BishopthorpeRoadJunctionImprovements

Find out more about upcoming roadworks, sign up for email alerts for roadworks and disruption at: york.gov.uk/roadworks.

You can find guidance about our Planned Highways Works for the year at: york.gov.uk/PlannedHighwaysWorks.