VIDEO: Work begins on changes to the Scalby Road 'merge' lanes in Scarborough

Work has begun for a second time on improvements to a junction near Scarborough Hospital after the first scheme was criticised by residents.
By Sarah Fitton
Published 1st Dec 2020, 09:02 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2020, 09:06 BST
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North Yorkshire County Council made alterations to the junctions of Scalby Road with Woodlands Drive, Stepney Drive and Woodland Ravine to ease congestion and improve safety for pedestrians in August.

It was the third of four major junction improvements that form a £4m scheme in the town. The work saw the creation of additional approach lanes and improved traffic signals.

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Following its completion, the council’s highways team was contacted by members of the public who raised concerns about the lane merge in Scalby Road north of Woodlands Drive, the proximity of the bus stop and the island intended to protect cyclists re-joining the carriageway from the shared footway.

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The work began on MondayThe work began on Monday
The work began on Monday

Many drivers had complained of near-misses as the two lanes heading north merged into one.

Work to address the concerns started yesterday.

North Yorkshire County Council’s contractor, Fox Owmby Ltd, will be working on the footway near the north entrance to the hospital on weekdays 7am to 7pm lasting for two weeks.

No road or lane closures are required. The footpath will be closed and pedestrians diverted to the other side of the road.

The 'merge' lanes have caused concernsThe 'merge' lanes have caused concerns
The 'merge' lanes have caused concerns
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County councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “We are grateful to members of the public and road users for their suggestions for minor alterations to the traffic management at the junction and have already introduced these as interim measures. I thank our highways team for acting promptly.

“The final design of a permanent solution is now ready and involves extending the shared cycleway northbound on Scalby Road and allowing cyclists to re-join the carriageway near the Old Scalby Road junction.

“This will create a safer environment for cyclists and provide more space for vehicles to merge.”

Resurfacing of the road will be carried out in Scalby Road on December 14, 15 and 16 between 7pm and 6am.

A road closure on Scalby Road northbound will be in place from the Woodlands Drive junction to Old Scalby Road. A signed diversion will be in place.

Related topics:North Yorkshire County CouncilDon MackenzieWork