The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS2) in Apperley Bridge has caused temporary traffic delays due to flood defenses construction on Harrogate Road. Completion is expected by late-March 2024, enhancing the area’s safety and resilience against flooding.
What is the impact of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme on Apperley Bridge traffic?
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS2) in Apperley Bridge has led to temporary traffic management measures on Harrogate Road. The project, aiming to enhance flood defenses, has introduced delays and temporary traffic lights to minimize disruption during construction. Full road access is expected to be restored by late-March 2024, improving the area’s resilience and safety.
Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme’s Impact on Traffic
Apperley Bridge has been a focal point for the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2), a critical infrastructure project aimed at bolstering the area’s defenses against flooding. The scheme is a testament to the city’s resilience strategy and commitment to safeguarding communities from natural disasters. Despite being meticulously planned, the FAS2 has faced delays, largely due to the unforeseen weather conditions that have swept across the region. Residents and road users have been observing the gradual transformation of the landscape, as machinery and construction teams work diligently to reshape the local environment’s flood management capabilities.
Harrogate Road, a critical artery for transportation in the area, has been under temporary traffic management measures to facilitate the necessary civil works. The initial timeline planned for the road to reopen between Apperley Lane Bridge and Harrogate Road Bridge by late February. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the resurfacing works have been pushed back, now beginning in mid-March and wrapping up by the end of the month. This adjustment has required the installation of two sets of three-way temporary traffic lights, which understandably have raised concerns among local commuters.
The first set of lights will be located strategically by the George and Dragon pub car park, operating for a period of 3-4 days. A second set will be set up at the junction of Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane. These lights are designed to cause minimal disruption, operating only when necessary to allow construction vehicles to enter the northbound lane of Harrogate Road. The commitment has been made to avoid operating these lights during peak traffic hours, mitigating the impact on the daily commutes of residents.
Progress and Community Response
The FAS2 project is undeniably complex, given its proximity to the river and the meticulous nature of the civil works involved. The construction of the new pumping station and drainage improvements is expected to conclude by late-March 2024, signaling an end to the traffic management interventions on Harrogate Road. The priority is to restore full access for all road users, including pedestrians and equestrian crossings, to ensure a return to the daily rhythm of life in Apperley Bridge.
Local officials have been vocal about the work, emphasizing the necessity and long-term benefits of the project. Councillor Helen Hayden, the Executive Member for sustainable development and infrastructure at Leeds City Council, remarked, “The high river levels we have experienced serve as a reminder as to why these works are being carried out – these works are vital to increase our resilience to the climate emergency.” The construction, she noted, is advancing well considering the challenges, and she extended gratitude to local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, of Bradford Council’s Executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, also commented on the FAS2, acknowledging that while it is a Leeds City Council scheme, the benefits extend into the Bradford District, particularly for residents in Apperley Bridge. He recognized the inconvenience caused by delays but stressed the complex nature of the project, especially in light of the challenges posed by the area’s flood risk. He assured the public that cross-border collaboration is ongoing to keep disruptions at bay.
Information and Resources for Residents
In anticipation of the community’s need for current and accurate information, Leeds City Council has established channels for dissemination. Updates are regularly shared through the Leeds City Council Flood Resilience X account, which provides real-time notifications on the progress of the FAS2 works. Residents are also encouraged to visit the Leeds FAS2 web page for comprehensive details regarding the scheme and to understand how the works might affect their daily activities.
Leeds City Council and Bradford Council have acknowledged the importance of transparent communication with their constituents. As the project advances, direct communications to residents in the affected areas, particularly those on Parkin Lane, continue to be a priority. These measures are in place to ensure that everyone affected is informed, prepared, and equipped to navigate the temporary changes to their local infrastructure.
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme is not merely a response to past flooding events but a proactive move towards a more secure and resilient future for Leeds and its neighboring communities. The collaborative efforts of Leeds City Council and Bradford Council, supported by the understanding and cooperation of local residents, will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more prepared Apperley Bridge in the years to come.
For more detailed information on the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, please visit Our Vision | Inclusive Growth Leeds.
- The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS2) in Apperley Bridge has led to temporary traffic management measures on Harrogate Road.
- Completion of the flood defenses construction is expected by late-March 2024, improving the safety and resilience of the area against flooding.
- Delays in the project have been experienced due to adverse weather conditions affecting the construction timeline.
- Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Harrogate Road to facilitate construction, with efforts made to minimize disruption during peak traffic hours.
- Regular updates on the progress of the FAS2 works are provided through the Leeds City Council Flood Resilience X account and the Leeds FAS2 web page for residents to stay informed.