Armley Gyratory: Pictures as 1970s footbridge set to be removed from Leeds junction ahead of fresh closures

A historic 1970s footbridge is set to be removed from the Armley Gyratory this week ahead of fresh road closures.

Published 26th Sep 2023, 16:30 GMT

Updated 26th Sep 2023, 16:36 GMT

From Friday, work will get underway to remove the Spence Lane footbridge. The 50-year-old footbridge will be the first of three footbridges to be removed from the Armley Gyratory, with their replacements to include accessible ramps to accommodate people with disabilities.

Leeds City Council said that all the new upgraded footbridges have been designed to ensure they will need less maintenance work in the future. To allow for this work to be completed, commuters have been told to expect a weekend partial closure from 8pm on September 29, until 5.30am on October 2.

The historic four-span footbridge, will be removed by one of the world’s most powerful all terrain cranes. Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Steve Riding visited the site ahead of its removal...

From Friday, work will get underway to remove the Spence Lane footbridge. The 50-year-old footbridge will be the first of three footbridges to be removed.

1. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

From Friday, work will get underway to remove the Spence Lane footbridge. The 50-year-old footbridge will be the first of three footbridges to be removed. Photo: Steve Riding

Leeds City Council said that all the new upgraded footbridges have been designed to ensure they will need less maintenance work in the future.

2. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

Leeds City Council said that all the new upgraded footbridges have been designed to ensure they will need less maintenance work in the future. Photo: Steve Riding

Spence Lane footbridge is a four-span footbridge with the largest of the spans, stretching 22.6m and weighing around 50 tonnes. It will be removed by one of the world’s most powerful all terrain cranes.

3. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

Spence Lane footbridge is a four-span footbridge with the largest of the spans, stretching 22.6m and weighing around 50 tonnes. It will be removed by one of the world’s most powerful all terrain cranes. Photo: Steve Riding

For walkers and people in wheelchairs, there will be a diversion in place until spring 2024, while works take place on constructing the new bridges.

4. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

For walkers and people in wheelchairs, there will be a diversion in place until spring 2024, while works take place on constructing the new bridges. Photo: Steve Riding

To allow for this work to be completed, commuters have been told to expect a weekend partial closure from 8pm on September 29, until 5.30am on October 2.

5. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

To allow for this work to be completed, commuters have been told to expect a weekend partial closure from 8pm on September 29, until 5.30am on October 2. Photo: Steve Riding

It comes as the first phase of the Armley Gyratory highways works have largely been completed, with some additional surfacing and lining to take place.

6. The footbridge at Armley Gyratory is to be removed this weekend

It comes as the first phase of the Armley Gyratory highways works have largely been completed, with some additional surfacing and lining to take place. Photo: James Hardisty

Leeds Armley Gyratory Leeds City Council Yorkshire Evening Post