York Outer Ring Road Upgrade Faces Cuts Due to Rising Construction Costs

York Council is rethinking a road project. Inflation increased construction costs a lot. Katie Lomas said they need to reassess. The project must allow future work, and they will try to get more funding later.

Claire Douglas said the government listens. They did not cut funding for a museum. The council will vote on budget plans soon; this vote is happening on February 27th.

A report shows a funding gap. The road project costs £65 million. The plan to dual the road might shrink, and they may only upgrade roundabouts instead. They will improve walking and cycling paths, and some road dualling could get cut.

Revised plan details are coming this year. Construction should start in late 2026. Lomas said the ring road is still a priority. Money allocated was not enough, she said.

Inflation keeps pushing up building costs. They want to build in stages, which supports future construction later. They need more funding to actually finish.

Douglas says they want the project done. They talk to the government constantly. The council works with the mayor and the government; this teamwork helps a lot.

Inflation is a big problem, she added. Some promised money never existed. Douglas is still hopeful about working with the government.

The government pledged £25 million, and they are reviewing that promise now. Last year, the council checked the original project plan. Pete Kilbane said they still want the road. The first stage focuses on development sites, and the council seeks other funding options.