Thousands of motorists use the Leeds Inner Ring Road everyday to get across the city. Yet few will be aware of the untold story of how the project was hindered by delays, controversy and everything in between. It was devised in the 1950s, started in 1964 and yet only completed in the 2000s. These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, aim to bring that story to life. READ MORE: Fascinating photos of Leeds city centre during the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
13. August 1973
As the route passed through land owned by Leeds University and Leeds General Infirmary, the 1,200ft-long Westgate Tunnel section was built to such a strength the ground above could be developed.
14. August 1973
Stage three running south from Westgate roundabout and including a flyover near the old YEP HQ on Wellington Street and a widened Wellington Bridge started in the early 1970s
15. August 1974
The third stage of the Inner Ring Road opened on November 7, 1974. The first person onto the flyover was Terence Muddiman and traffic warden Charles Wheatley directed the first cars across.
16. August 1974
There was a slight blip when it was realised someone had forgotten to remove the red and white bunting from across the road and Mr Muddiman had a short wait in his Toyota van while the flags were taken down.
17. January 1975
The western end starting from the bottom left near the old railway roundhouse, crossing the canal and the River Aire to the centre of this photo where the Wellington Street and Kirkstall flyover is nearing completion. Photo: Peter Thacker
18. July 1975
Danger spot? Traffic emerging from West Street comes blindly onto the inner ring road.