£6m Leeds Road Safety Scheme Begins with Lane Closures

A £6 million project to improve road safety, cycling and pedestrian access in Leeds is getting underway, with lane closures starting on 9 November.

Major construction work is getting underway in Leeds city centre as part of a £6 million project to improve road safety, pedestrian crossings and cycling facilities along Burley Street, Park Lane and Westgate.

Leeds City Council has confirmed that work on the Westgate Connector scheme is beginning, with traffic restrictions and around-the-clock lane closures being introduced from Monday 9 November.

The project, funded by Active Travel England and delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aims to address longstanding safety concerns along one of the city's busiest walking and cycling routes.

Construction is expected to continue until summer 2027.

Safety concerns following 39 casualties

The council says the route has experienced significant road safety problems, particularly around Westgate Gyratory and Hanover Way.

Between 2021 and 2025, there were 39 reported casualties along the route, including seven serious casualties.

More than 4,200 people walk, wheel or cycle along Burley Street each day, making it an important connection for students, commuters and visitors.

The existing road layout, together with heavy pedestrian activity, has made some crossings difficult to navigate.

Council officials say the improvements are designed to reduce these risks and provide safer routes for everyone using the area.

New segregated cycle lanes and safer crossings

The Westgate Connector scheme will introduce a new two-way segregated cycle lane, separating cyclists from general traffic.

The improvements will also include redesigned road junctions, upgraded pedestrian crossings and changes to existing bus stops.

Key improvements include:

• Extending Leeds' cycling network west of the city centre.

• Introducing protected cycle tracks along sections of the route.

• Improving pedestrian crossings and junction safety.

• Upgrading and relocating bus stops.

• Making journeys safer for pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility aids.

The council hopes the changes will encourage more people to choose walking and cycling for shorter journeys.

Lane closures begin Monday 9 November

Motorists travelling through the area are being warned to expect disruption as construction begins.

From Monday 9 November, traffic management measures will be introduced, including 24-hour lane closures.

During the first four weeks, construction will primarily take place Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 5pm.

Initial work will focus on the Park Lane and Hanover Way junction, improvements near Rutland Mount and utility diversions on Park Lane.

Construction will also take place at Westgate Point, where existing cycling facilities will be extended to create a new segregated cycle crossing.

Clearly signed diversion routes and temporary bus stops will be provided where necessary.

The council says routes will remain open wherever possible, with some overnight work planned to reduce disruption.

Residents and businesses directly affected by the construction will receive further information.

Council says improvements will create safer, greener Leeds

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council's executive member for transport and planning, said the project would help make the city safer and better connected.

He said:

"The Burley Road to Westgate project is a step towards our vision for a safer, greener, and more connected Leeds."

He added:

"By providing dedicated cycling and walking spaces, we can prioritise safety and support the city's goals for health, sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions."

The scheme also supports Leeds' Vision Zero ambition, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.

Contractor promises to minimise disruption

Construction company Bethell has been appointed to deliver the improvements.

Michael Holmes, managing director at Bethell, said the company would carefully phase the work to minimise disruption.

He said:

"We will carefully phase the work to minimise disruption while creating safer and better-connected routes for people walking, wheeling and cycling."

He also confirmed that the project would support local employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the Leeds city region.

When will the work finish?

The Westgate Connector scheme is scheduled to continue until summer 2027.

Motorists, bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to allow additional time for journeys through the affected area while construction takes place.

The council says the completed project will improve connections between the western side of Leeds city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Source: Leeds City Council – Westgate Connector scheme announcement.