Infrastructure Work to Commence at Water End

Work to progress infrastructure works as part of the York Central development is being undertaken by John Sisk & Son (SISK) who has been contracted by Homes England as a major partner of the York Central Partnership. Work will commence at Water End, on the embankments of Severus Road bridge on 27 March 2023. This work is essential to prepare the area for the construction of a new footbridge across the East Coast Main Line, next to the existing Severus Road bridge.

To undertake these works safely SISK will be closing the road at Water End overnight from 9pm-5am, Monday-Friday for four weeks, apart from bank holidays. A diversion will be in place for vehicles travelling during these times. There will also be a diversion for pedestrians and cyclists which will use a temporary pedestrian crossing to the north side of the bridge, where the footpath remains open at all times.

John Sisk & Son has liaised with local bus services and agreed that access is still allowed for the number 10 bus during the work so those using this service will be able to continue as normal.

To ensure the health and safety of the SISK workforce, the site area will be fully fenced off and there will be no access to the public. Once the work is complete, there will be a water filled barrier along the edge of the bridge ensure the safety of road users, and these will also protect the newly installed sheet piles.

SISK has worked hard to ensure this work has minimal impact on residents and nearby businesses and will be using machines and techniques to achieve this. More detailed information on this can be found in the accompanying ‘Your Questions Answered’ section below.

If you have any questions or concerns about these planned works please contact SISK at YorkCentral@sisk.co.uk.

Your Questions Answered

Will my bus service be impacted?

SISK has agreed to allow access for the number 10 bus during the work so those using this service will be able to continue as normal.

Will the works be noisy?

SISK has planned the works very carefully to ensure that noise is mitigated as much as possible.

During week one, they will be using a rubber tracked Movax (excavator) to install reaction piles to enable the main piling works. This machine, as titled, is on rubber tyres rather than tracks which is a much quieter method. It will also be pre-auguring to ensure the main piling works is much quieter with less vibrations.

During the rest of the work, SISK will mobilise a machine called a Giken. The nosiest part of this machine is the power pack, which will be isolate and covered with a noise barrier.

They will also be putting a one-way system in place to remove the need for reversing and therefore any reversing sirens on vehicles.

Will there be lots of light?

SISK will install tower lighting to allow visibility for those carrying out the work. Careful planning has gone into the positioning of these lights to ensure that residents don’t experience light pollution. They will also be using solar powered lights to ensure there is no need for a generator. This will also help mitigate noise pollution.

Will there be access for emergency services?

SISK has liaised with all the local emergency services to make sure they use the route that is best for them at the time. They are aware of our diversion route but will have access through the site if this ends up being the quickest option for them.

Why does this work need to be done at night?

SISK has looked at various methods to carry out this work and found that the use of the road as a working space is the safest due to the steepness of the embankments. This method also enables them to carry out the work quietly and takes the least amount of time.

What happens if the work runs past 5am?

SISK is aware of the traffic that builds up in this area during rush hour and unless there has been an emergency, work will not run past 5am. The work they are doing can be demobilized at short notice.