Major works kick off on Leeds Inner Ring Road today – with 15 weeks of overnight closures
Drivers should plan ahead
Drivers in Leeds are being warned of significant overnight disruption as essential maintenance begins on the city's Inner Ring Road.
Overnight road closures and lane restrictions will be in place on the Leeds Inner Ring Road for approximately 15 weeks as work commences on retaining walls.
The maintenance project, aimed at ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the busy route, is scheduled to start today (Tuesday, September 1).
The works will focus on retaining walls between Woodhouse Tunnel and Woodhouse Lane, operating between 7pm and 5am each night.
The project is expected to conclude in November. This initial phase is part of a broader programme to maintain the structural integrity of the Inner Ring Road, which facilitates over 90,000 vehicle journeys daily.
Leeds City Council highlighted the road's crucial role in managing city centre traffic and preventing unnecessary through journeys.
Many of the retaining walls along the route were constructed over five decades ago and are now nearing or have surpassed their original design lifespan.
The council stated that the majority of the work will be conducted overnight, employing temporary traffic management measures, including lane and road closures.
Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council's executive member for transport and planning, emphasised the importance of the Inner Ring Road and the necessity of the investment.
"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," he said.
Councillor Carlill added that the planned approach to maintenance aims to mitigate the risk of more significant issues arising, thereby avoiding emergency repairs and unplanned closures that could cause greater disruption. He also noted the road's role in supporting the city's transport ambitions.
"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," he concluded.
Further phases of maintenance are planned for other sections of the Inner Ring Road.
Subject to funding approvals, the next phase is anticipated to commence in early 2027, potentially involving larger structures and more extensive traffic management. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow for extra travel time during the maintenance period.
More detailed information on traffic management arrangements will be available on the Connecting Leeds website.