Yorkshire Route 493 Adjusts for Road Closure
Route 493 diverts via Austfield Lane May 5-11 due to Water Lane roadworks closure
Route 493 Diverts via Austfield Lane May 5-11
Arriva Bus Route 493 riders in Hillam will need to use alternate stops starting May 5 as the service diverts around a Water Lane closure. The bus will reroute via Austfield Lane and Chapel Street in both directions between Monk Fryston and Hillam through May 11, transit officials said. Three stops won't be served during the weeklong diversion: Mill Close southbound and northbound, plus the Post Office northwest-bound stop.
Roadworks Force Temporary Route Change
Water Lane in Hillam is closed for roadworks that'll keep the street inaccessible for a week, requiring the Route 493 modification. Bus diversions due to road closures are common in rural areas where alternate routes may add travel time but ensure service continuity. The affected section between Monk Fryston and Hillam serves residential areas where riders depend on the 493 for connections to larger towns. Officials didn't specify what type of roadworks are being performed or whether the project could extend beyond the scheduled completion date.
Three Stops Temporarily Out of Service
The diversion means passengers who normally use Mill Close stops in either direction or the Post Office stop heading northwest will need to walk to alternate stops on Austfield Lane or Chapel Street. Transit officials didn't provide details about how far affected riders will need to walk to reach the temporary stops or whether additional signage will be posted at closed stops. The reroute affects both directions of travel on Route 493. Arriva Bus didn't say whether travel times will increase due to the longer route, though diversions typically add several minutes to scheduled trips.
Diversion Runs Through May 11
The Route 493 diversion takes effect May 5 and is scheduled to end May 11, 2026, when Water Lane is expected to reopen. Normal service with all regular stops should resume once roadworks are complete, though officials haven't confirmed whether service will return immediately or if there'll be a transition period. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly during the weeklong disruption.
Riders Should Plan for Temporary Changes
Passengers who regularly use the affected Mill Close or Post Office stops should allow extra time for walking to alternate stops during the diversion period. Those unfamiliar with the temporary route can check Moovit for real-time Route 493 updates and stop locations during the May 5-11 closure. Officials said riders should expect normal service to return after May 11, though they didn't specify an exact time when regular routing will resume.
