Leeds is set to transform its A61 and B6481 transport routes with exciting upgrades, including wider pavements, safer crossings, and dedicated cycle tracks, all aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Funded by a £9.14 million allocation from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, these improvements will create a more efficient and sustainable travel network connecting Leeds to Wakefield and Pontefract.
What improvements are proposed for Leeds A61 and B6481 transport infrastructure?
The proposed improvements for Leeds A61 and B6481 include:
- Wider pavements and footpaths for pedestrian safety.
- Segregated cycle tracks and shared-use footways for cyclists.
- New traffic signals and advanced technology to prioritize buses.
- Enhanced pedestrian crossings near amenities.
- Upgraded junction safety measures to reduce collision risks.
Consultation for A61 and B6481 Improvements
The city of Leeds is poised for significant travel enhancements with the launch of the second stage of consultation for upgrading the A61 junctions and B6481 Pontefract Road. These critical arteries connect Leeds to neighboring Wakefield and Pontefract, and the proposed changes aim to boost safety, increase accessibility for non-motorized travel, and improve bus service reliability. This initiative emerges from a partnership between Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, reflecting a commitment to creating a sustainable and efficient transport network.
The consultation draws upon feedback from an earlier round of public engagement where initial proposals were tabled. This previous interaction revealed that 53% of respondents viewed the A61 improvements positively, whereas 28% perceived them negatively. Similarly, for the B6481 Pontefract Road enhancements, 52% felt positive about the changes, with 33% expressing negative sentiments.
At the core of the A61 proposals is the need to address safety at two junctions notorious for accidents: the A61 Jumbles Lane and the A61 Carlton Lane junctions. Concerns include high vehicle speeds, insufficient safe crossing points for pedestrians and school students, particularly those attending Rodillian Academy.
Proposed Changes to A61 and B6481
The potential improvements to B6481 Pontefract Road span from Thwaite Gate to M1 junction 44. Key among these is the creation of a segregated cycle track that would provide a safer and more direct route for cyclists heading to Leeds City Centre. It also facilitates access to the surrounding industrial estate, a vital employment hub characterized by shift work often extending into the night and poorly served by public transport.
Should the proposed changes be implemented, substantial funding has been earmarked for these projects. A £9.14 million allocation from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, designated for transport schemes, will be utilized: £2 million for the A61 and £7.14 million for Pontefract Road improvements.
For the A61, the proposed enhancements include:
- Wider pavements and footpaths, with a focus on Long Thorpe Lane, to enhance pedestrian safety.
- Shared-use footways to improve cyclist navigation.
- New traffic signals, especially at the Jumbles Lane junction, to ease traffic flow and provide safe crossing points.
- Advanced traffic signal technology to prioritize buses, thereby boosting journey times and reliability.
- On-carriageway cycle lanes and advanced stop lines at traffic junctions.
- Upgraded pedestrian crossings near local amenities for better accessibility.
- A motor vehicle road closure at Carlton Lane/A61 junction to mitigate collision risks.
In parallel, the B6481 Pontefract Road could see:
- Wider pavements for safer bus stop access and local business patronage.
- Enhanced and new crossing facilities to aid those on foot or wheeling.
- Dedicated cycle crossing facilities positioned at strategic locations.
- A one-way, segregated cycle path connected to existing lanes, complemented by some shared-use footways.
- Signal-controlled rail bridge tunnel to manage traffic flow, enhancing safety and bus reliability.
- New landscaping and greenery to improve the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Community Engagement and Official Insights
Understanding the vital role of community input, Leeds City Council encourages residents to contribute their perspectives on the proposed schemes. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport, and Sustainable Development at Leeds City Council, highlighted the significance of these changes:
“This scheme will create a safer and more accessible experience for all types of road user on these roads. The proposals help people access Leeds City Centre, local amenities, and employment by creating alternative, sustainable ways to travel to essential destinations. By offering safe and easy alternatives to the car, we can help to meet our Leeds Transport Strategy targets and create a prosperous, less congested Leeds, with healthier residents.”
Echoing this sentiment, Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, emphasized the broader benefits:
“These proposals will make it easier and safer for everyone to walk, wheel, cycle, and use public transport on two busy routes. I’d encourage people to have their say so that we can continue building a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire for all.”
Have Your Say
The consultation is open for contributions until 11:59 pm on 10 March 2025. Residents wishing to express their views can:
- Provide feedback online by visiting the Your Voice webpage.
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Attend one of the scheduled in-person drop-in events:
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Wednesday 12 February 2025, 6:30-9 pm – Main Hall, The Rodillian Academy, Longthorpe Lane, WF3 3PS.
- Tuesday 18 February 2025, 11 am-3 pm – Hunslet Library, Waterloo Road, LS10 2NS.
These consultations present a pivotal opportunity for Leeds residents to shape the future of their city’s transportation landscape, ensuring that the development of infrastructure aligns with the needs and aspirations of those it serves.
- Leeds is planning significant upgrades to its A61 and B6481 transport routes, focusing on improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
- The enhancements will be funded by a £9.14 million allocation from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, with £2 million for the A61 and £7.14 million for the B6481 improvements.
- Proposed changes include wider pavements, dedicated cycle tracks, and new traffic signals that prioritize buses to enhance public transport reliability.
- The second stage of consultation is underway, allowing residents to provide feedback on the proposed infrastructure changes until 10 March 2025.
- Community engagement is encouraged, with local officials stressing the importance of creating safer and more sustainable travel options for all road users.