From October 2019 Connecting Leeds will improve the way buses operate along this busy route into the city centre. The changes are set to give buses priority along key routes which will make journeys quicker, easier and more appealing, helping to tackle congestion, air quality and health issues.
The scheme, which is set to be completed in spring 2021, will allow buses to bypass general traffic through the implementation of bus lanes.
Segregated cycle lanes and enhanced pedestrian facilities and crossings will also be included in the improvement works as well as new traffic lights and changes to the central reservation.
A number of bus stops will be moved temporarily, and some will be permanently relocated nearby. We’re currently working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to ensure all bus users be kept informed of the bus stop changes well in advance.
Planned works between October – Christmas 2019
- Duct crossings for new traffic lights; at various points along the A61S/A639 from Meadow Lane to Thwaite Gate. They will be undertaken at night (7pm – 5am), and require single lane closures within the vicinity of each duct crossing. To minimise disruption any noisy activities will be undertaken as early as possible on each shift.
- Central reservation widening; to sections along the A61S from Meadow Lane to South Accommodation Road. These works will take place during the day, and require localised off-peak lane closures.
- Redundant island removal; from South Accommodation Road to Thwaite Gate. These works will take place during the day, and require localised off-peak lane closures.
- Roundabout construction, early works; not within the carriageway near the junction of Thwaite Gate / Pontefract Road / Wakefield Road.
- Butterley Street; the existing right turn into Butterley Street from the outbound A61S will be removed with access being replaced via a new U-turn facility at Brookfield Street. These changes will be implemented in December 2019.
Construction hours and bus diversions
Construction hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, and 7.30am to 3pm on Saturdays. To minimise disruption to flow of traffic, work on the carriageway will be limited to:
- 9.30am to 6pm on the inbound carriageway (Thwaite Gate to Leeds city centre)
- 7.30am to 3.30pm on the outbound carriageway (Leeds city centre to Thwaite Gate)
The main site office will be located at Bridgewater Road with a satellite compound at the junction of Wakefield Road and Pontefract Road. Buses will continue to operate during construction, and Metro will publicise any changes to bus routes or locations of temporary stops in advance.
This post is based on a press release issued by Connecting Leeds
I’m delighted this is going to happen, however it’s going to take eighteen months to complete?? So we’re going to have disruption for that amount of time on our main highway. Couldn’t more people be hired to undertake the work. The bike lane in town towards the Etap and past the Playhouse has taken forever to be completed and is still unfinished causing constant delays for a little piddly piece of lane.