North Yorkshire Council says plans to build a new road linking Ings Lane, Engine Shed Lane and the Skipton bypass are progressing with preparation work set to finish this autumn.
A new road to the A629 Skipton bypass has been in the pipeline since 2017 as part of the former Craven District Council’s £4.68 million Skipton Employment and Housing Growth scheme.
But progress has been slow, frustrating residents and local councillors including Cllr Andy Solloway (Independent, Skipton West & West Craven).
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the new road will offer many benefits including taking HGVs from the industrial estate straight onto the bypass rather than travelling through town.
Cllr Solloway said: “This means that we can take a different approach to the dangerous junction opposite the railway station which is awful for pedestrians.”
The council’s redeveloped waste management depot is on Engine Shed Lane and it’s hoped with a link road, council bin wagons will be able to get straight onto the bypass without going through Carleton New Road.
This would improve efficiency and safety for pedestrians in town, according to Cllr Solloway. He added: “This link road is desperately needed, but also many planning applications in the area have been approved with the assumption that the link road would be there.”
In an update published this week, the council said upgrades of the two roads plus culverts at Ings Beck should be finished later this year.
Once completed, it could mean work on the link road can finally begin.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for highways and transport, Barrie
Mason, said: “The development of the link road was part of a wider scheme inherited from the former Craven District Council to manage traffic within the south-west of Skipton.
“It aims to give traffic to and from Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane industrial estates direct access to the A629 Skipton bypass.
“It was agreed by the former council to deliver the scheme in two phases. The first phase involves the upgrade of Engine Shed Lane and Ings Lane and culverts at Ings Beck. This is expected to be completed by the autumn.
“We appreciate the frustration around progress. However, it is essential to finish the current works to facilitate the link road.”
Rishi Sunak MP criticised for non-attendance at council meetings
Electric ambulances trialled in North Yorkshire
Airedale issues A&E warning ahead of doctors' strike
Settle Orchestra plans autumn concert in Skipton with new conductor
Historic Great Northern Railway Observation Saloon to enter service at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Skipton's Sam Ashby evicted from Big Brother house just 10 days before final
Community and veterans honour Canadian aircrew at 80th anniversary service
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
Skipton teenager impresses in first F2 stock car season
Plans announced to lift 30mph speed limit at busy Skipton roundabout
Venue in Skipton wins Deliciously Yorkshire award
ELO to Abba, Steeton Male Voice Choir together with Otley Brass Band
Airedale rebuild takes first step with multi-storey car park plans
Details of Skipton Remembrance parade revealed
Skipton boys take home prize after winning Monster trail
Pub sees increase in business after introducing 'Tax-free Monday'
Addingham invites traders for festive Christmas market
Brass band from Skipton appear in Channel 5 drama series finale
Ermysted's and Skipton Girls' High to hold joint Sixth Form Open Evening
New Love Brownies branch to open in Skipton this weekend
