The Leeds transport scene is continually changing and while 2025 saw a host of landmark moments, including the opening of Leeds Bradford Airport’s new terminal, 2026 is expected to be just as big.
Chief among a host of changes due this year is the completion of the revamped entrance of Leeds City Station, plus a host of roadworks designed at improving safety and reducing casualty rates among the city’s motorists.
Here are 12 major transport projects that will change Leeds in 2026...
1. Redesign of Leeds station
The £46.1 million scheme, which aims to significantly improve the main entrance of Leeds City Station, is set to be completed by the Spring of 2026. Designed to meet rising capacity demands, the new look station will see the pedestrianisation of New Station Street, and the installation of two 21-passenger lifts from Bishopgate street-level to the main station entrance. | Simon Hulme
2. Construction on Leeds City Links scheme
From January 5, a one-way system will be installed on Great George Street between Oxford Place and Park Street (Leeds General Infirmary) as construction on the £12.76 million Leeds City Links scheme, designed to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability across southern and northern sections of Leeds city centre, gets underway. It is due to be completed by early 2027. | LCC
3. Woodhouse Lane Gateway changes
The £20.9 million Woodhouse Lane Gateway scheme, aiming to improve journeys for people walking, cycling and using public transport along Woodhouse Lane, Blenheim Terrace, Blenheim Walk and Albion Street is expected to get underway in 2026. The proposals span 2km in length, with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds Arts University located on the route. | LCC
4. Controversial revamp of Lawnswood roundabout
Construction work on controversial plans to improve safety and deliver improvements at the Lawnswood roundabout junction of the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A660 Otley Road, in north Leeds got underway in August 2025 and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. Work is described as “progressing well” and lane closures remain in place along the route. | Tony Johnson
5. Pedestrian improvements to Whitehall Riverside
Works to revamp pedestrian accessibility to the new Whitehall Riverside flats will continue into 2026. Proposals include the creation of a segregated bi-directional cycle lane linking from Riverside Way to the toucan crossing on Whitehall Road, which will aim to improve the safety of cyclists along this route, while the footway will be repositioned to the rear of the cycle lane to maintain a safe route for pedestrians. | YEP
6. A660 and Hyde Park Corner improvements
Works got underway in 2025 as part of a £10.4 million improvement scheme aimed at delivering a segregated inbound and outbound cycle track on both sides of the A660 in Headingley and Hyde Park Corner. Other improvements have included the introduction of a 20mph speed limit between Shaw Lane and St. Michael's Road, plus wider pavements and continuous crossings at most junctions. | YEP