RESIDENTS and businesses in west York are bracing themselves for weeks of traffic misery during major improvements to a key bridge.

Massive congestion is expected on the A59 following the announcement by Network Rail that engineers will carry out £1 million restoration work on Holgate Bridge, between February 8 and March 21.

The iron structure carries thousands of motorists over the main rail route in and out of York and a half road closure is being enforced for most of the work.

Local businesses fear the improvements will be bad for trade as drivers will attempt to stay away from what is an already busy traffic hotspot.

Dave Brough, who runs Holgate Bridge Service Station, said he was bracing himself for fewer customers.

"The traffic is bad enough as it is without this," he said.

"People are not going to want to sit in traffic for an hour to get a service here. I might have to collect the cars myself."

James Farrington, who runs Holgate Bridge Newsagent, in Holgate Road, said: "This will be an unbelievable nightmare. The traffic is already heaving at rush hour."

Special shuttle working traffic lights will be used during the work which will only allow one lane of traffic over the bridge at a time. The current controlled crossing point provided by the Pelican Crossing at Watson Street will continue to operate.

Network Rail said delays to Holgate Road traffic "will be kept to a minimum" by the introduction of a temporary one way order on Dalton Terrace. Traffic will only be able to enter that street from the Holgate Road end.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail's route director, said: "During this project we will waterproof and repaint the entire structure, as well as carrying out strengthening works and resurfacing the road and pedestrian walkways.

"We have worked closely with the council to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum, however it is inevitable that some delays will be caused.

"We apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by these works which are vital to ensure the future safety and reliability of this bridge."

Damon Copperthwaite, assistant director (city development and transport) for City of York Council, said: "Holgate Bridge is a key part of the city's transport network and so any work affecting it is going to be difficult to deal with. Obviously, there will be significant delays to traffic and we will be doing all we can to keep this to a minimum. Drivers can do their part by planning their journeys to avoid this whole section of the city. For those that can, please use the Park&Ride service or take a bus."

To ensure that Mount Parade is not used illegally by traffic seeking a short-cut, the road will also be made one-way with entry only possible from the Holgate Road end.

From March 26 to March 30 the half-road closure will only be in operation overnight, from 10pm to 6am.

On March 31, April 7, April 9 to April 21, May 4 to May 12 and May 14 to May 19 an overnight full road closure will be enforced from 10pm to 6am in order to facilitate scaffolding works.