Commuters warned of closures

The new year may bring new commuter woes for workers as the repairs of a city centre bridge lead to road closures.
Ominous sky in Leeds
Leeds Bridge
River Aire

Photograph taken by Gary Hope
25 Thornfield Way
Cross Gates
Leeds LS15 7UZ
Telephone 0113 2608556Ominous sky in Leeds
Leeds Bridge
River Aire

Photograph taken by Gary Hope
25 Thornfield Way
Cross Gates
Leeds LS15 7UZ
Telephone 0113 2608556
Ominous sky in Leeds Leeds Bridge River Aire Photograph taken by Gary Hope 25 Thornfield Way Cross Gates Leeds LS15 7UZ Telephone 0113 2608556

From Monday January 8 work will start on essential works to strengthen, clean and repaint the historic Leeds bridge which carries traffic on Bridge End over the River Aire by The Calls in the city centre.

The project, managed by Leeds City Council, is expected to take 16 months to complete, with traffic restrictions being in place from late January meaning there no will be no access over the bridge for most northbound traffic (heading towards the city centre).

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Only the Elland Road Park and Ride service will continue to travel in that direction from 7am to 7pm on weekdays in order to minimise disruption for commuters.

A signed diversion will be established via Great Wilson Street, Crown Point Road, Kirkgate and The Calls for all other city-bound motorists. While the work is carried out, there will be no disruption to southbound traffic.

Two-way access will continue to be provided for cyclists, and access will be maintained throughout for pedestrians.

Executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, Coun Richard Lewis said: “As with any such historic structure, it needs maintenance, repair and strengthening work from time to time to ensure it can continue to function well into the future.

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“So it is essential this work now takes place with all efforts made to minimise the impact while it is carried out.”

Completed in 1873, the grade II-listed Leeds Bridge is made of wrought and cast iron, and the work to be carried out will see old concrete above the original ironwork deck removed and replaced with new stronger steel-reinforced concrete