Progress is being made on Phase 2 of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS2), which aims to safeguard sections of Apperley Bridge from potential flooding. The reinforcement of Apperley Lane Bridge is on track for completion by Thursday 24 August.
Following this achievement, the subsequent stage of LFAS2 initiatives in the vicinity will promptly commence, necessitating partial closures of certain roads. Motorists are advised to proactively plan their journeys and allocate additional time.
Starting from the evening of 23 August 2023 and continuing until February 2024, Apperley Road will be inaccessible between Apperley Lane Bridge and Harrogate Road Bridge. This closure is essential to connect the local drainage network to a newly established surface water pumping station situated in the car park of the George & Dragon pub. Throughout this period, vehicles, pedestrians, and other road users will be unable to access this section. Nonetheless, entry to the George & Dragon pub’s car park will be feasible via a fresh access point located to the west of the existing one. The movement of traffic amidst Apperley Lane Bridge, Apperley Road, and the car park will be governed by a set of traffic lights controlling a three-way intersection.
Furthermore, there will be partial closures of lanes along Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane, executed in stages. These lane restrictions will necessitate the implementation of a traffic light system that facilitates the orderly flow of vehicles along Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane between 24 August 2023 and mid-October 2023.
To ensure the well-being of the public, the current pedestrian and equestrian crossings to the south of the junction connecting Apperley Road and Harrogate Road will be temporarily unavailable throughout the construction process. A new temporary pedestrian crossing will be established in proximity to the existing one, and clear signage will indicate alternative routes for pedestrians.
Additionally, partial lane closures will be in place, supervised by give-way signs on Parkin Lane from mid-October to mid-November 2023.
Due to the intricate nature of the undertaking, some adjustments to the aforementioned dates might be required.
While extensive efforts have been made to minimize disturbances, both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council earnestly encourage local residents to prepare in advance for potential inconveniences while traversing this area.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said; “The Leeds FAS2 will increase the resilience of thousands of homes and businesses as well as key infrastructure in Leeds and Bradford from the devastating financial, environmental, and emotional impact of flooding. The works here in Apperley Bridge are an important part of this scheme. We would like to apologise for any disruption caused and thank everyone in the area for their support and patience as we make progress towards a more climate-resilient Leeds city region.”
A Bradford Council spokesperson said; “It is great to see the flood alleviation works are progressing as planned. Whilst the traffic management system may cause motorists slight delays in their journeys, I hope that everyone can plan ahead and allow more time so the impact is minimal.”
