Catterick Garrison bypass ‘wouldn’t ease traffic’, report concludes

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond area committee will debate a petition calling for measures to tackle congestion on the A6136 through the military town next week.

More than 1,000 people have signed the petition which was launched by Hipswell and Colburn division councillor, Kevin Foster.

But a report prepared ahead of the meeting concludes that most trips on the road are to destinations along the route.

Nicki Lishman, senior democratic services officer, said in the report: “Consequently, a relief road or bypass would have limited impact in reducing perceived network strain.

“The modelling shows that, at best, a bypass would displace that traffic to other access routes towards the town.”

Instead, the report says motorists should be encouraged to move toward “walking, wheeling and cycling” for short journeys as a way of reducing trips at busier times.

“Infrastructure is available on the route to support the switch to walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter journeys, though we recognise that, in places, improvements could be made or new links delivered which would ease the strain on the network at busier times,” the officer says.

The road was last surveyed by Richmondshire District Council between 2018 and 2020 amid fears the route could reach capacity due to the number of new homes being built in the area.

This led to improvements at several junctions in a bid to improve traffic flow.

The officer adds: “Notwithstanding this, it is acknowledged that the lived-in experience is that at times, the network in Catterick is under strain but this is exacerbated at peak times and associated with specific events in the vicinity.”

Cllr Foster said he and “thousands of residents” did not agree with the report’s findings

He added: “This effectively expects people to walk or cycle to adult education and key services, which is unrealistic and excludes our disabled community.

“This route is part of the designated key road network and I do not agree with this report.

“I will be asking questions and expect evidence to support these claims. With major housing growth now underway, we must be proactive and address capacity now.”

The petition will be discussed by councillors at a meeting on Monday next week.