The latest Connecting Leeds Newsletter is below:
Connecting Leeds Newsletter
January 2024
Help shape plans to improve walking, cycling and public transport along Woodhouse Lane
We're asking people to identify current issues, what changes they'd like to see, and what they think should be prioritised to improve the Woodhouse Lane Gateway, which is a 2km route between the city centre and the Hyde Park and Woodhouse areas.
The Woodhouse Lane Gateway is already heavily used by people walking, cycling and using the bus. However, the area suffers from congestion which can delay bus journey times and it can be difficult to travel along the route by foot or by bike.
It also suffers from a high casualty rate with 98 reported injuries happening along roads within the Woodhouse Lane Gateway boundary since 2016, including 23 serious collisions.
If you live, work in, or travel along the route, you can have your say in the consultation before 19 February. Simply drop a pin on the map, let us know what changes you'd like to see and help prioritise improvements for a safer more welcoming area.
Find out more and feed back in the consultation here. If you'd prefer, you can also attend a drop-in event at Leeds City Museum on 31 January (10am - 4pm).
Update: Armley Gyratory successfully re-opens
The removal and replacement of the Gelderd Road footbridge at the Armley Gyratory completed ahead of schedule at the weekend, with roads reopening on Monday 15 January.
The closure was necessary to remove the 1970s footbridge and make way for the new bridge for improved pedestrian access over the gyratory. The upgraded footbridges have been designed to need less maintenance and inspection.
Some night-time works will be required to complete the installation of the bridge and will be communicated in advance of works.
Plan ahead: New York Road Tunnel closure for essential maintenance
New York Road Tunnel, located just outside the city centre and on Leeds Inner Ring Road, will close to all vehicles on Monday 12 February until the autumn to enable essential maintenance of the New York Road Flyover.
The closure of the tunnel is vital to carry out repair works and replace 27 bearings on the flyover and ensure the longevity and safety of the bridge in the longer term.
In planning the project, the council has considered every effort to keep the tunnel open. However, due to the level of disruption to traffic flow, accident and breakdown risk in the tunnel and workforce safety concerns, the closure represents the most viable option.
With the tunnel closure the council aims to:
- Minimise the impact on local residents as it avoids noisy night work.
- Speed up the completion of the scheme by at least one month.
- Improve safety for residents, bridge users, and the workforce on site.
Advance signage and notices will inform road users well in advance and during the closure. A full traffic management plan with signed diversions will be in place.
Find out more in the press release.
Otley Shared Transport Hub
Want to have your say on where a new shared transport hub could be located in Otley, and what facilities should be included to make it a success?
The council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are seeking your views as part of the Otley Shared Transport Hub consultation. Visit the webpage to find out more, take the survey, or register for a webinar on 23 January. There's also an event at Otley Market Place on 28 January (10am - 1pm) where you can speak to a member of the project team, ask questions and give feedback.
This consultation is open until 11.59pm on 4 February.
Mature Driver Appraisal
To ensure older drivers are driving safely on the road, Leeds Older People’s Forum and the charity, William Merritt Centre, have teamed up with the council to bring a brand-new scheme to Leeds aimed at helping mature motorists drive safely.
The Mature Driver Appraisal is a 90-minute session with an approved driving instructor to review your driving. Taking place in your own car and driving to places you usually go, the appraisal aims to build your confidence, equip you with tips and advice, and reassure that you are driving safely.
John, 81, from Crossgates (pictured above) drives most days and uses his car to visit his son in Liverpool. He took the appraisal and said, “I would definitely recommend it to others.”
Are you or do you know someone who would benefit from the scheme?
Book a place by calling 07526360408 or getting in touch via email.
Supporting apprentices
With National Apprenticeship Week coming up next month, we're shining a light on apprentices within our Highways Maintenance team. Apprentices in the team are supported to develop their skills and knowledge across different areas of highways maintenance, including laying tarmac, footpaths, putting up road signs and making sure roads are safe over winter.
Max, who started his apprenticeship in 2021, is now a Mason in the Highways Maintenance team and has gained experience patching potholes, laying kerbs and resurfacing footways, all while ensuring that work is undertaken safely and disruption is kept to a minimum.
Since 2016, 21 apprentices have taken part in the scheme and 18 of these have been promoted to full-time roles within the service.
Get in touch via email to find out more about apprenticeships within the team.
If you're interested in apprenticeships across Leeds, find out more at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair on 5 February.
