The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 at Apperley Bridge is now set to be completed by late March 2024, with Apperley Road expected to reopen between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge around this time. The timeline adjustment is due to weather conditions affecting the ongoing flood alleviation works, with traffic management strategies being carefully implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters.
What is the new timeline for the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme work at Apperley Bridge?
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) at Apperley Bridge now has a revised completion date set for late March 2024. Apperley Road is expected to reopen between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge around this time, following adjustments due to weather conditions.
Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Adjusts to Weather Impact
Due to the unpredictability of weather, especially during the winter season, the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) at Apperley Bridge has necessitated a revised schedule. Recognizing the critical role of Harrogate Road for commuters, meticulous efforts are being employed to mitigate any inconvenience caused by the ongoing works. “When complete, both phases of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme will combine to protect 4,000 homes, 1000 businesses and key infrastructure in Leeds and Apperley Bridge, Bradford from flooding similar to boxing day 2015,” underscores the scheme’s importance in preventing a reoccurrence of such devastating events.
The initial plan to reopen Apperley Road between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge by late February has been deferred, with new dates set for mid to late March 2024. The interim will see the installation of two sets of three-way temporary traffic lights. These will operate in a manner that minimizes disruption, functioning only when necessary to facilitate the passage of machinery. The Leeds City Council has assured that activation of these lights during peak traffic times will be avoided whenever possible. For ongoing updates, individuals are directed to the Leeds City Council Flood Resilience Twitter account and the Leeds FAS2 web page.
Infrastructure Advancements and Traffic Management Strategies
Continuing with the civils work on the new pumping station and drainage improvements, the project aims to conclude by late-March 2024. The necessary traffic management measures are set to be lifted subsequently, restoring full access for all road users, pedestrians, and equestrian crossings on Harrogate Road. Moreover, the execution of broader traffic management strategies on Parkin Lane is being communicated directly to the local residents to ensure transparency and preparedness for any changes.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for sustainable development and infrastructure, conveyed her understanding of the delays caused by nature’s unpredictability. “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,” she emphasized, acknowledging the construction progress despite adverse conditions. Efforts are being channelled to ensure that traffic disruptions are kept to an absolute minimum while expressing gratitude to the public for their patience.
Regional Collaboration and Forward Outlook
Collaboration between neighboring councils is a cornerstone of this venture, as stated by Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport. He remarked, “Although the Leeds FAS2 is a Leeds City Council scheme, the works will also deliver flood risk benefits to residents in the Apperley Bridge area of the Bradford District.” The nature of such expansive projects inherently brings about delays, particularly when contending with the challenges of working in a flood risk zone amid tough winter conditions. Nonetheless, these are deemed essential works for the community’s welfare, and the emphasis remains on cross-border liaison to keep disruptions at bay.
The end of the article arrives without a conclusion, but with an assurance that the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme is progressing steadily towards its goal of safeguarding the area from future flooding. The collaboration between Leeds and Bradford Councils ensures that measures are put in place with the community’s best interest at heart. Residents and commuters can look forward to returning to normalcy as the works draw to a completion and the promise of enhanced flood resilience becomes a reality.
ENDS
- The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 at Apperley Bridge is now expected to be completed by late March 2024.
- Apperley Road is set to reopen between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge around the same time.
- The timeline adjustment is due to weather conditions affecting the flood alleviation works.
- Traffic management strategies are being carefully implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters.
- The Leeds City Council assures that traffic disruptions will be kept to a minimum during the works.