'Significant disruption' warning on gyratory works

Drivers have been urged to plan their journeys into Leeds ahead of "significant disruptive work" along a major route in the city.

The third and final Armley Gyratory Road footbridge is due to be installed this weekend, following demolition of the Wellington Road footbridge in July 2024.

Disruption involves the full closure of the A58 Wellington Road northern arm of the junction.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said the team had "worked hard to minimise disruption".

Work is set to begin from 20:00 GMT on Saturday 8 February and will continue until 05:30 GMT Monday 10 February.

All lanes of Wellington Road (A58) going into and out of Leeds will be closed.

On the Sunday morning, Canal Street and Wellington Road will also be closed to allow for vehicles to move materials.

To reduce the amount of disruption to traffic, installation of the footbridge will take place at night.

During Saturday night the main span of the structure will be transported to the Armley Gyratory under police escort from Junction 2 of the M621.

The Armley Gyratory is an extremely busy roundabout with traffic lights to the west of Leeds city centre.

It acts as a major entry and exit point for traffic as a key junction on the A58 (M) Leeds Inner Ring Road.

The scheme to widen this route is "critical" to cutting the number of vehicles passing through the city centre, according to the council.

Planned improvements have included widening roads, replacing footbridges and better signalling.

The scheme, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), is due to be completed in spring 2025.

Pryor said the new bridges would bring "transformative changes" for people walking and cycling.

Pryor added: "The team have worked hard to minimise disruption by planning, co-ordinating and sequencing large highways schemes across Leeds.

"They need careful planning with other works, not always in our control and events across our busy city.

"Specifically for this weekend we had to navigate a Leeds United FA Cup home tie, which kicks off at lunchtime before our works."

Diversions are in place along the A647 through Armley and Stanningley, the A6120 through Farsley and Rodley, and the A65 through Horsforth and Headingley.

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