Leeds drivers warned of 15 weeks of overnight road closures as work kicks off on major route

Drivers are being warned of overnight road closures and lane restrictions as a major project to maintain one of Leeds’ busiest roads kicks off.

Maintenance works on retaining walls along the Leeds Inner Ring Road will begin next month, forming part of a long-term project to protect the route.

The overnight works will take place between Woodhouse Tunnel and Woodhouse Lane, between 7pm and 5am.

Starting on Tuesday September 1, they are expected to take around 15 weeks, finishing in November.

The scheme is the first phase of a wider programme of structural maintenance on the Inner Ring Road, which carries more than 90,000 vehicle every day.

Leeds City Council said the Inner Ring Road plays “a vital role” in helping traffic travel around the city centre, and avoid unnecessary ‘through journeys’.

Many of these retaining walls were built more than 50 years ago and are approaching or exceeding their original design life.

The majority of the work will take place overnight using temporary traffic management, including lane and road closures. Signed diversion routes may be in place.

Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council's executive member for transport and planning, said: "The Inner Ring Road is one of Leeds most important transport routes, carrying thousands of journeys every day and helping traffic avoid some of our busiest city centre streets.

"Many of the structures supporting the route were built decades ago and now require investment to ensure they remain safe and reliable for the future.

"These works are about taking a planned approach to maintaining our infrastructure, reducing the risk of more substantial problems developing in the future. It will help avoid emergency repairs and unplanned closures, which can cause much greater disruption for road users.

"The Inner Ring Road has a key role to play in supporting Leeds wider transport ambitions, and this programme will help ensure the route continues to serve residents, businesses and visitors for many years to come.

"We appreciate there will be some temporary disruption while the repairs are carried out and would like to thank people for their patience and understanding."

Further phases are planned across other sections of the route. Subject to funding approvals, the next phase of works is expected to begin in early 2027.

The future schemes may involve larger structures and more extensive traffic management arrangements, the council said.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys while the works are taking place.

Further information, including details of traffic management arrangements, will be available at the Connecting Leeds website.