Issue - items at meetings - York Outer Ring Road – Phase 1 Dualling – Update on Progress and Proposed Enabling Works – Advanced Diversions of Statutory Undertakers’ Apparatus

The Corporate Director of Place to present a report which provides an update on progress on the proposed YORR A1237 Dualling Scheme and seeks authority to proceed with the procurement and implementation of utility diversions in order to avoid delays to the future construction phase of the scheme.

Resolved: (i) That it be noted that a planning application for the proposed scheme is about to be submitted.

(ii) That the general progress and ongoing work on the scheme be noted.

Reason: To be informed on the progress of the scheme and take this into consideration for future decision-making.

(iii) That Option 1 be approved; that is, for the project team to identify, procure and undertake utility diversionary works within the existing highway in connection with the scheme, and where possible, in advance of the main works programme.

Reason: To comply with the provisions of the NRSWA 1991, and to maximise the opportunity to eliminate or reduce delay risks and resultant prolongation claims on the main construction programme.

(iv) That authority be delegated to the Director of Transport, Environment and Planning, in consultation with the Director of Governance or her delegated officers, to procure and take all necessary steps to implement the diversions of the Statutory Undertakers’ apparatus, as required on the Scheme.

Reason: So that the Director of Transport, Environment and Planning is authorised to take such steps as are necessary to engage and negotiate with Statutory Undertakers for the efficient and timely delivery of utility diversions on the proposed scheme.

The Corporate Director of Place and the Major Transport Projects Manager presented a report which provided an update on the proposed YORR A1237 Dualling Scheme (the Scheme) and sought authority to proceed with the procurement and implementation of utility diversions in order to avoid delays to the future construction phase of the scheme.

The Scheme was making steady progress, and a planning application was about to be submitted. While that was under consideration, work would continue on land acquisition, preparing for a possible Compulsory Purchase Order, detailed design, developing a final business case and initial procurement enquiries. A key task for 2022 was to engage with the utility companies (Statutory Undertakers) to ensure the diversion of apparatus affected by the proposals. Failure to do this in a timely manner would result in a high risk of delays and associated costs. Initial discussions had shown that some diversions could be undertaken in advance of the main construction works, and approval was sought to procure and proceed with these from late summer 2022.

The Executive Member for Transport indicated that he and his fellow member of the Green Group would abstain on this item due to their views on the probable effects of the project. The Chair welcomed the report, expressing support for the project as an opportunity to reduce congestion and journey times and enhance pedestrian and cycle routes.