Armley Gyratory Leeds: New traffic lights and signal technology, drainage system for flooding and cycle routes to be introduced

New plans to improve the Armley Gyratory have been revealed by Leeds City Council.
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The plans, which have been updated after two rounds of public consultation, aim to reduce congestion in the area and improve safety.

It comes after members of the public raised concerns about drivers rushing to avoid red lights, the lack of a signal-controlled junction at B6154 Wellington Road South, poor sightlines, road surfacing and road markings.

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Congestion, particularly on A58 Wellington Road North and A643 Ingram Road Distributor, causing delays to for motorists and bus users was also a big concern.

The Armley Gyratory.The Armley Gyratory.
The Armley Gyratory.

Pedestrians and cyclists also criticised the original plans, suggesting that more accessible pedestrian and cycle routes be introduced.

Other environmental issues raised were poor air quality, relating to idling cars and large volumes of traffic.

These new Connecting Leeds designs address the concerns and will also complement and enable wider improvement projects in the city, providing an opportunity to create better public spaces.

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Specifically, the plans underpin transformation of the city centre by the closing of through vehicle traffic, a pedestrianised City Square and South Bank developments.

Proposed plans for the Armley Gyratory.Proposed plans for the Armley Gyratory.
Proposed plans for the Armley Gyratory.

The updated plans will address the movement through the gyratory by providing the following features:

- A new signal-controlled junction on the entrance from B6154 Wellington Road South and a signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing across B6154 Wellington Road South.

- Existing pedestrian routes will be upgraded to modern standards and made safer, more pleasant and more accessible with new landscaping and footpath widening.

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- New landscaping will provide enhanced visibility between road users and improve the personal security of pedestrians and cyclists.

- Cycle routes will be introduced and connected to existing routes at the junction, making it easier and safer to travel by bicycle.

- The two existing footbridges over the A643 and A58 will be replaced with a dedicated, accessible pedestrian and cycle bridge.

- To discourage people from running red lights, new traffic signal technology will be introduced which will manage queues more efficiently.

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- New traffic lights added at the junction of the A643 with Gelderd Road, to better manage the traffic flow.

- Proposed new drainage system to address the issues of flooding at the A58 Wellington Road North under the railway bridge.

Executive Board member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development, Councillor Helen Hayden said: “Improvements to major junctions like the Armley Gyratory will support our vision to make better use of road space, improve walking and cycling provision as well as promote public transport options across the city.

“It will create a more people-friendly and accessible city centre, removing unnecessary vehicle traffic from the city centre and creating a safer and healthier environment for public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists.

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"This is key to unlocking more pedestrianised areas such as City Square in the heart of the city.

“In addition, the Armley Gyratory proposals offer significant benefits for local communities to access the city centre, with improved cycling and pedestrian facilities. Improving and reducing these physical barriers is a key part of our long-term plans to support easier movement across our communities.

The council will seek approval from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund for the City Centre Package works of £40.5 million to fund the scheme.

The next steps will see a planning application submitted in the summer.

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There will be an opportunity for comments on the proposals during the planning process.

If approved, construction will start next year and be completed in 2023.

The public are able to view the updated scheme designs online at www.armleygyratory.commonplace.is.