TRANSPORT bosses will launch a new drive this year to dual York’s outer ring road - as plans are unveiled to upgrade a roundabout.

City of York Council hopes to persuade the Government to spend up to £350 million on dualling the chronically congested A1237 in the face of huge competition from other authorities.

Transport executive member Ian Gillies says it has secured about £300,000 for a detailed study to outline the economic benefits from dualling.

“This detailed technical study will take place over 2018, and without it we simply can’t make the case for the level of funding we need,” he said.

“We are determined to convince the government to prioritise what could be up to £350 million for York ahead of other schemes across the country.”

The Press launched its Dual Them! campaign last autumn to press for the ring road and A64 east of York to be turned into dual carriageways.

Cllr Gillies said the council was acting to improve the ring-road in the shorter-term, including investing £32.5 million to improve traffic flows at seven roundabouts and make them suitable for dualling later.

The first such upgrade will be at the Wetherby Road roundabout and the council is asking for comments from residents and businesses on its design proposals by February 2. The works are planned for early summer, although some site clearance work could start earlier.

A spokesman said the roundabout upgrades will mean more lanes and space on the approaches and exits, and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

Plans can be viewed at www.york.gov.uk/orr, at the council’s West Offices HQ or at two special public exhibitions at Acomb Explore Library on Front Street, YO24 3BZ on Thursday, January 18 and Monday, January 22, from 3-7pm.The decision on the final layout will be taken at an executive member for transport decision session in March.