Two new overhead gantries will be set in place above the M621 in South Leeds during the next phase of work on major improvements to the motorway.
National Highways is installing the super-span gantries – named as they span the road in both directions instead of just one – over the carriageways. They will be installed this month at junction 2 near Elland Road, and between junction 2 and junction 3, adjacent to the junction 2a slip road.
The structures are part of the major improvements to the M621 between junctions 1 and 7, which will include new safety cameras and improved signage as well as free flow links connecting the A643 at junction 2 and extra lane capacity at junctions 2 and 7.
Once the M621 upgrade is complete, traffic will move much more smoothly and safely, especially during peak times.
During the installation, the M621 will be closed between junction 1 and junction 3 eastbound, and junction 4 and junction 2 westbound, on the following dates:
On Saturday 4 November, the gantry is being installed at junction 2a.
On Saturday 11 November, the new structure is being installed at junction 2.
Between Monday 13 and Friday 17 November, closures will be in place while all necessary completion work to the structures is carried out.
This work will all be carried out overnight once the M621 has been closed to traffic, between 8pm and 8am at weekends, and 8pm and 6am on weekdays.
National Highways Project Manager Sal Hopkinson said:
“This type of work can only be done overnight while the road is closed, to keep our workforce and the travelling public safe. We do appreciate that overnight working can be disruptive for those living closest to the motorway and apologise in advance for this.
“Once again, we want to thank drivers and residents for their cooperation and patience while we deliver this important part of the project.”
For those trying to access the M621 during the closures, fully-signposted diversions will be in place.
All work is weather dependent. Should conditions such as strong winds prevent any of the work going ahead, it will be rescheduled to 18 November.
Further information is available through the National Highways website at bit.ly/M621works.
Since August 2022, works have included the installation of new power supplies to support the new average speed cameras and motorway technology, carriageway widening and capacity improvements around junction 2. In June, the exit slip at Junction 2a was permanently closed to allow the creation of a new junction and crossing between Cemetery Road and Elland Road.
Improvements continue at this busy junction with the creation of signalised crossings, making it safer for pedestrians and traffic.
Anyone with any questions or who would like to discuss any aspects of the scheme, please email: m621j1to7@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.
This post is based on a press release issued by National Highways
Photo: The M621 at junction 2 (Elland Road Interchange), near where a new super-span gantry will be installed
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper – up 83% in the last 12 months.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
I recently noticed that trees, which were planted at the side of the M621 to help combat pollution for the locals, were being cut down and removed. I believe that this is in preparation for the new super span gantries, but what is going to happen to the pollution level?
Will it affect the residents that live nearby?
We’ve had a notification through in the post. Unfortunately, it only tells us about the work to install the gantries. Nothing was metioned about cutting down fully mature trees, or what was going to be done to deal with the extra pollution.