You may be interested in the latest Connecting Leeds Newsletter:
Connecting Leeds Newsletter
October 2023
Carve out some time for a 'spooktacular' read! This October, our newsletter is packed with updates, such as how you can actively steer the future of West Yorkshire's bus services and city centre travel, and we'll also be diving into the latest developments in the region's transport infrastructure, so join us for a thrillingly informative journey.
Get involved: have your say on proposals to improve the way you get around the city centre
We're consulting on plans to make city centre streets more accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling around. Proposals aim to make it easier to get around the city centre in greener and healthier ways, make key junctions safer, widen pavements and create opportunities for greenery and street cafes.
Your feedback matters. Fill in the online survey before the consultation closes on 19 November. If you prefer, you can attend a drop-in event at:
- Leeds Art Gallery on 24 October, 11:00-13:00, and 13:30-15:00
- Leeds Minster on 1 November, 10:00-13:00, and 14:00-18:00
How do you think buses should be run in West Yorkshire? Now’s your chance to have your say!
Buses play a vital role in West Yorkshire, getting people to places, connecting our communities, and shaping our economy. Evidence shows passengers face many challenges with our region’s buses, including confusing fares, service cuts and poor reliability. We now have a chance to change this.
Have your say on how buses should be run in West Yorkshire and play your part in building better buses for you, your community, and our region by visiting the survey page before 7 Jan 2024.
Please ensure you read the consultation document available online before you fill out the survey.
Work begins on two key routes in Leeds
Leeds is set to receive substantial transport improvements with ongoing work on two major routes, promising enhanced safety and smoother travel experiences.
The A6120 Outer Ring Road is currently undergoing significant enhancements in two phases, set to conclude by winter 2024. Phase one, already in progress, includes upgrades to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, and Horsforth roundabout, and the addition of a segregated off-highway cycle route. The ongoing second phase is introducing an accessible bridge linking Calverley and Farsley, along with a mixed-use path connecting Rodley roundabout to Dawsons Corner. To ensure safer journeys, the plan incorporates speed reduction measures enforced by average speed cameras. You can find more information here.
The A660 transport improvement initiative has also commenced in Headingley and Hyde Park, emphasising safety measures such as widened pavements, pedestrian and cyclist priority crossings, and new public spaces. To prevent congestion and ensure smoother travel, the scheme includes the closure of select roads to motor vehicles. Supported by Active Travel England, the 10.4 million project is being rolled out in phases, with the first phase already underway between the junctions of Spring Bank Crescent and Richmond Road.
Stay updated on further developments and read more here.
7.79m Secured for Active Travel & Road Safety Initiatives.
Leeds City Council's successful funding bid from the Government's Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 has paved the way for five exciting projects to progress, subject to public consultation:
- Armley Town Street - Upgrading and prioritising bus access (2.9 million)
- Bentley Residential Streets, Meanwood - Traffic management enhancements in the area (0.35 million)
- Eastern Gateway, Leeds City Centre - Implementing safer cycle tracks and pedestrian improvements (0.4 million)
- Holbeck Connector, Whitehall Road - Extending cycle tracks for smoother connectivity (2.3 million)
- Westgate Connector - Expanding segregated cycle tracks and enhancing pedestrian pathways (1.8 million)
These schemes, aimed at nurturing active and sustainable travel while improving road safety, are scheduled for public consultation in the current financial year. The projects will offer residents, businesses, and other stakeholders a chance to contribute their thoughts, ensuring these plans fit with the community's needs.
From the revitalisation of Armley Town Street to the creation of secure cycle tracks and upgraded pedestrian crossings, these initiatives represent a substantial step towards promoting sustainable transportation across Leeds.
More detailed information about the five areas can be found here.
New trees for Harehills Road
Highways works to improve the area around Harehills Road for pedestrians, local businesses and residents have reached a milestone, with new trees planted and improvements to the central reservation.
Works include improving the safety and surrounding area for pedestrians, including new accessible crossings to make it safer and easier to cross the road in key places. Trees have also been planted along the route to enhance the area. The project aims to improve the setting of the local area and make the space safer for everyone, building on previous works to reduce collisions along the busy stretch of road.
Councillor Helen Hayden and ward councillors visited the area last month and met with local social enterprise, Shine. Todd Hannula, co-founder and creative director of Shine said:
“I’m pleased to see the new trees on Harehills Road. It improves the look of the area and creates a safer experience for pedestrians using the road. This is a great long term initiative which will benefit Harehills for years to come.”
Video: Spectacular time-lapse of Spence Lane footbridge removal at Armley Gyratory
Watch this impressive time-lapse capturing the removal of the Spence Lane footbridge at the Armley Gyratory earlier this month. The footage showcases a 1,000-tonne crane carefully lifting the bridge from its position before transporting it away, marking the start of the first phase of the planned replacement of three bridges scheduled for early next year.
Unlock new travel experiences across Leeds and West Yorkshire
This autumn, it's all about walking and riding in Leeds and West Yorkshire! Explore various transportation choices, from walking routes to dedicated cycle paths and bus routes. Easily plan your bus journey using the MCard app, access free support for walking and cycling, and discover more.
Visit the Walk it, Ride it webpage to find offers across the region, or head over to the Leeds page to find Leeds-specific support.
Celebrating success at the UK National Transport Awards
Leeds City Council's City Development team have been honoured at the 2023 Transport Awards this month. This prestigious event held by the Transport Times celebrates excellence and innovation in the transportation industry, and Leeds City Council was recognised in three vital categories:
- Design, Engineering & Construction Project of the Year: For their work with various partners on the East Leeds Orbital Route.
- Campaign of the Year: Collaborating with partners for the Aspen Park and The Poplars Residential Travel Plan Fund.
- Exemplary approach to Active Travel & Public Space: Our Mabgate/Lincoln Green Transformation was Highly Commended.
These accolades spotlight the city's commitment to transforming its transportation infrastructure and fostering active travel. We thank our partners and the Leeds community for their ongoing support in shaping the future of our city's transportation landscape.
