Vicar Lane reopens for buses in both directions for first time since 1964

The road was closed to one way traffic in 1964.

However, from Sunday, February 21 bus drivers are able to drive out of the city centre via Vicar Lane once more, instead of diverting via New Briggate.

Roadworks are set to begin on New Briggate later in the year, so buses that normally go up the road will now divert to Vicar Lane.

This is because Leeds City Council plans to close the lower section of New Briggate to traffic.

The council says this is to create a better pedestrian experience.

When this happens, access to the upper section of New Briggate will be retained via Harrison Street, which will reopen later this year.

Bus stops on New Briggate will no longer be served and services will permanently move to Vicar Lane.

The services affected by these changes are: 2, 3, 3A, 7, 7A, 7S, X7, 11, 11A, 12, 13, 13A, 36, 843

The Vicar Lane improvements are part of the £20 million+ Connecting Leeds Headrow scheme which has been underway since 2019 and is expected to be completed in spring this year.

It is planned to bring major improvements across the city centre, with less traffic congestion, more reliable and shorter bus journey times, more attractive bus stops and better waiting facilities for passengers.

This will enable easier connections between bus and rail services, and safer, greener, more attractive streets for pedestrians and cyclists.