The initial stage of improvements to the A6120 Outer Ring Road is currently in progress, and the second phase of the project is set to commence following a positive response to the consultation.
The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20 million of the funding comes from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the remaining £3.257 million provided by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of the project underwent consultation in November and December 2021. It involves enhancements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, Horsforth roundabout, and the establishment of a dedicated off-road cycle path.
Enhancements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, and Horsforth roundabout are already in progress and expected to conclude by the end of this year. Construction of the segregated cycle path, from the Horsforth roundabout to the Rodley roundabout, will commence early next year and is projected to be finished by autumn 2024.
Phase 2
Phase 2 underwent consultation between July and September 2022. It includes the construction of an accessible bridge connecting the communities of Calverley and Farsley, an off-road mixed-use path for walking, wheeling, and cycling between Rodley roundabout and Dawsons Corner, traffic light improvements at Rodley roundabout, safety measures for no right turns at the junctions of Calverley Bridge and Calverley Lane, planting and landscaping, and reducing the speed limit to 50mph from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge, including enforcement through average speed cameras.
The second phase of work is currently in the detailed design phase. Construction of the mixed-use path is scheduled for winter 2023, and the accessible footbridge is set for completion in spring 2024.
Unfortunately, due to land ownership constraints, an accessible ramp to the Leeds-Liverpool canal cannot be implemented. Alternative options for the ramp are also unfeasible due to their impact on existing utilities and the extensive removal of trees, including at least two mature oak trees. Instead, alternative upgrades to the existing cycle network link to the canal are being planned to enhance access.
Enforcement of the reduced 50mph speed limit on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A647 Stanningley Bypass, from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge, will be carried out using average speed cameras, a first for West Yorkshire, and is currently underway. Additionally, the existing 40mph speed limit on A647 Bradford Road from Dawsons Corner to Thornbury roundabout will be enforced by average speed cameras.
The installation of road signage to support the new lower speed limit and the calibration of the average speed cameras has commenced and is expected to be completed next month. Once finished, the cameras will become operational.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said:
‘It’s encouraging to see a major scheme developing in the north-west and west areas of Leeds. Phase two proposals were met with a 74% positive public response at consultation and I’m pleased the momentum of delivering this work is being swiftly progressed.
Both phases aim to better link local communities, improve active travel options for residents, and make progress towards our carbon-neutral targets.
The new speed limit, and enforcement through average speed cameras, will aim to reduce the number of speed-related collisions on these routes, creating a safer road environment for all users whilst aiming to meet our Vision Zero target of zero deaths on Leeds roads by 2040.
Together with our construction partners, we will update local residents and businesses affected by any construction work throughout.”
