Issue - items at meetings - Haxby to Clifton Moor Cycle Route

This report details the feedback from consultation on proposals to create an off-road shared cycle and pedestrian route along the A1237 (Outer Ring Road) corridor between the Haxby Road roundabout and the B1363 (Wigginton Road) roundabout. The report also covers the outcome of more detailed design work and the latest cost estimates.

Resolved: That the Cabinet Member:

(i) approved the overall scheme layout, including the changes and additional measures proposed within this report (i.e. as per Option 2 in paragraph 45, and as illustrated in Annexes A,C,D, E, F & G.

(ii) Agreed in principal the Toucan Crossing and PROW diversion as illustrated at Annexes B & H but deferred a final decision to enable further investigative work.

(iii) gave authorisation for all elements of the scheme to be implemented as soon as practically possible, which in some cases may need to be after associated Traffic Regulation Orders are put in place,

(iv) gave authorisation for the advertisement of the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders relating to the following:

· an extension to the existing 20mph School Safety Zone on Haxby Road,

· An amendment to the speed limit on the roundabout junction of Haxby Road with the A1237 Outer Ring Road,

along with authority to enact these Orders if no objections are received (any substantive objections to be considered at a future Officer in Consultation meeting).

(v) gave authorisation for Officers to commence the necessary legal process for the proposed diversion of the existing Public Footpath, New Earswick No.1.

Reason: To provide a safe and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists between the villages of Haxby, Wigginton and New Earswick with the Clifton Moor leisure and retail park. In addition, the route will form the key part of a wider ‘Outer Orbital Route’ for cycling and walking from Poppleton to the University of York via Clifton Moor and Monks Cross.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which provided details of feedback received following a recent consultation on proposals to create an off-road shared cycle and pedestrian route along the A1237 (Outer Ring Road) corridor between the Haxby Road roundabout and the B1363 (Wigginton Road) roundabout. The report also advised of the outcome of more recent design work and sought approval to advertise the necessary Traffic Restriction Orders and to commence the implementation of the scheme proposals.

Officers outlined the proposals and provided the Cabinet Member with an update as follows:

· It was reported that comments received from Councillor Cuthbertson had not been included in the agenda but had been noted by Officers.

· Further assessments into the current levels of queuing traffic on Haxby Road would be required in relation to the location of the proposed toucan crossing. It was proposed that further details on the toucan crossing would come back to a future meeting.

· Further discussions with Network Rail had revealed that the Network Rail construction phase would cost an additional 25 to 30k but officers were hopeful this could be managed through contingencies and through ongoing discussions with Network Rail.

In relation to the Public Rights of Way diversion and the Farmers Bridge element of the scheme, the Cabinet Member had some reservations about including these due to the necessity to keep costs down. Officers explained that there would be advantages to including the PROW diversion and bridge in the scheme. Officers agreed to further investigate the work required and report back to the Cabinet Member at a later date.