Leeds' Armley Gyratory will be closed for a full weekend to allow for major roadworks.
Drivers are being warned over major disruption to routes into the city centre as works are carried out to overhaul the busy roundabout and introduce new lanes and speed limits.
Armley Gyratory will shut from Friday, April 8, from 8pm until Monday, April 11 at 5am. According to Leeds City Council, when the roundabout reopens it will have narrower lanes, 30mph speed limits and other traffic management measures in place.
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Over the closure weekend, people travelling into the city centre have been told to use public transport or park and ride sites at Elland Road, Stourton and Temple Green, “as this will be more reliable than driving.”
The huge overhaul of the busy roundabout is part of the Connecting Leeds project involving several major highways schemes. It will also see works around City Square, Leeds Train Station and along routes to the city centre.
A spokesperson for the council said this will be the first phase to create a world-class public space and arrival gateway to the city centre for train, bus users, pedestrians, and cyclists. City Square will eventually close to through traffic in readiness for the Year of Culture in 2023.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate said: "I know that no one like road works and that they cause disruption, but they are necessary to improve our road network and keep Leeds moving. That’s why it’s important to let everyone know about the full weekend closure of Armley Gyratory happening on 8 April.
"The improvements to Armley Gyratory, like other major road works, will help people travel around our city easier and make better use of road space, hugely improve walking and cycling provision as well as improving public transport.
“It will help create a more people-friendly and accessible city centre and help local communities make easier journeys through what is currently a completely car-focused area. This is the first part of these works and when done it will support our long-term plans to support easier movement across our communities.
“We’re working as fast as we can to make these improvements and I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience. We have done work to try and minimise the disruption these works will have, but no matter the amount of planning there will be some congestion. A weekend closure is safer for both the operatives working on the gyratory and the travelling public.
“During the works and closure weekend, if you can, it is recommended to access the city centre using public transport or park and ride sites at Elland Road, Stourton and Temple Green. Please plan ahead and familiarise yourself with the planned diversion routes if you do need to drive. Regardless of how you travel, be sure to include some extra time in case of congestion. We have put together scheme details here, and again, thank you for your patience as we continue to transform travel in your city.”
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