From September 2019, bus services and stops in Leeds city centre will change as Connecting Leeds starts major works on The Headrow.
Leeds City Council’s Connecting Leeds programme is set to transform transport in the city centre into world-class gateways for bus users, pedestrians and cyclists, while continuing to provide access for businesses.
The total package of works sees £20.7million invested in schemes including; the Headrow, Westgate, Vicar Lane between The Headrow and North Street, New Briggate, Infirmary Street and Park Row, Cookridge Street and small lengths of streets linking these together.
Once complete, Vicar Lane will be two-way for buses and some general traffic, removing the bottleneck on The Headrow. This will facilitate the closure of traffic to the lower section of New Briggate, which will provide an opportunity to further enhance the pedestrian experience.
The plans aim to improve bus reliability, making bus use and walking a more attractive way to navigate through the city centre whilst substantially enhancing and increasing public space with more planting.
Some bus stops would relocate to more suitable areas with wider footways for passengers to wait. Bus-only restrictions would look to create more space to improve bus journey time reliability. There’s strong support for reducing car dominance in the city centre, improving facilities for bus passengers and enhancing the public realm.
The first stage has now started on The Headrow with the removal of the central reservation. During this time it will remain open in both directions, apart from some overnight works at junctions.
From 1 September 2019, the eastbound carriageway will close and bus routes will relocate. The scheme, undertaken in stages, will be completed by autumn 2020. During construction, some bus stops will relocate to temporary stops on the diversion route.
A number of other changes to existing routes will also take place. Working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, detailed bus stop and service information for all affected bus routes will be made available at www.wymetro.com.
This is part of Connecting Leeds – aiming to invest an unprecedented £270million in Leeds’ transport network. Connecting Leeds, the long-term transport strategy for Leeds, aims to improve all aspects of transport and travel in the city and connect people to the wider Leeds City Region.
To minimise further disruptions the council plans to simultaneously install underground district heating pipes alongside Connecting Leeds works, subject to confirmation of a government grant award. The council and partners are contacting and informing all affected businesses and residents, when the work impacts on them.
Full details of bus services which may be affected will be made available at www.wymetro.com.
