Major transport improvement schemes for Leeds to be focus for council chiefs

A series of major projects to improve transport links in Leeds will be seeking approval by senior councillors at a meeting next week.

Leeds City Council’s executive board will meet at Civic Hall on Wednesday 21st September to discuss continuing to support the development of improvements to be delivered through the regional West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund (WYTF).

Among the schemes to be approved is the possible new link road to Leeds Bradford Airport as well as exploring short and longer-term rail options.

Another proposal is a possible change to the traffic management of the city centre to make it more pedestrian and cycle-friendly, offering access to the city through the opportunities at the regeneration of the South Bank, the remodelling of Leeds Station and enhancing public transport and taxi connections.

Other major projects include the East Leeds Orbital Road to support the development of 5,000 new homes along the East Leeds Extension, and evaluating the possibility of a new rail station at Thorpe Park.

In the Aire Valley, a range of improvements have been identified featuring a new link road and river bridge as well as improvements to Junction 45 of the M1 and enhanced bus services to connect the Aire Valley Enterprise Zone and the new park and ride being built at Temple Green with the city centre.

Other proposed improvements are to the Outer Ring Road (A6110), highway and public transport capacity along the Leeds to Dewsbury A653 corridor and a bus efficiency package along key corridors in West Yorkshire.

All of these schemes would be funded through the £1bbn West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund established in 2014, to be delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) working with local authorities.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “These schemes will not only to make people’s lives easier, but it is essential for the future of the Leeds and regional economy to help connect people with places, jobs, education and training in order to offer a more attractive place to live, work, learn and visit for everyone.”