Prepare for a significant road upheaval in Leeds as Dawsons Corner and the Stanningley Bypass undergo a crucial £44 million improvement project.
Starting September 8th and lasting until October 17th, the eastbound lane on Bradford Road will close 24/7, urging all drivers to plan alternate routes and expect delays between Leeds and Bradford.
What are the upcoming lane closures and improvements at Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds?
Major lane closures will occur at Dawsons Corner from 8 September to 17 October, with a 24/7 eastbound closure on Bradford Road toward Stanningley. The £44 million project improves junction alignment, promotes walking and cycling, and aims to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
Overview of the Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass Project
The city of Leeds is set to embark on a major infrastructure upgrade with the Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement scheme. Valued at £44.179 million, this project is a significant investment aimed at enhancing transport connectivity and supporting sustainable travel options across the region. The improvements focus specifically on the B6157 Dawsons Corner junction, a vital link for road users commuting between Leeds and Bradford.
Key features of the scheme include the realignment of the existing junction, the addition of a new footway, and a cycleway to promote walking and cycling. These enhancements are designed to address longstanding congestion issues and provide safer, more efficient travel routes for all users. The project is a collaborative effort under the Connecting Leeds initiative, which aims to transform travel across Leeds by making it easier, safer, and more accessible.
In preparation for the works, authorities are urging road users to plan their journeys carefully. According to information provided by Leeds City Council, the improvements will not only benefit motorists but also enhance public transport reliability and pedestrian safety. The importance of these upgrades is further underscored by their potential to bolster economic growth throughout the Leeds and Bradford corridor.
Lane Closures and Travel Disruptions
To facilitate the Dawsons Corner upgrades, comprehensive lane closures are scheduled to take place over a six-week period. From Monday 8 September to Friday 17 October, there will be a continuous 24/7 closure of the eastbound lane on Bradford Road (the Dawsons Corner roundabout) towards Stanningley. This closure is a critical step to enable the safe and efficient execution of the necessary construction works.
During this period, vehicles that would normally use the affected stretch will be diverted along the outer ring road. Drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and follow all posted diversion signs. The closure is expected to affect not only private vehicles but also local public transport services, with some bus stops being temporarily relocated or suspended.
In addition to the road closures, certain footways and cycleways in the area will be inaccessible. However, alternative routes will be clearly marked to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists can still navigate the area safely. For the latest updates on bus stop changes and travel disruptions, commuters are advised to check the Dawsons Corner | Metro website for real-time information.
Objectives and Expected Benefits of the Upgrade
The overarching goal of the Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement works is to deliver a host of benefits for road users and the broader community. By realigning the junction and introducing new infrastructure for non-motorised transport, the project aims to create a safer, more efficient transport environment. Specific objectives of the scheme include:
- Reducing congestion: The new layout is engineered to improve traffic flow at one of the region’s busiest intersections, addressing bottlenecks that have long plagued commuters.
- Improving bus journey times: By streamlining the road design and facilitating more predictable travel conditions, the scheme is expected to make bus services faster and more reliable.
- Enhancing safety: The provision of new crossing facilities, dedicated cycleways, and wider footways will create safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
These improvements are anticipated to have a ripple effect on the local economy by supporting the movement of goods, services, and people between Leeds and Bradford. In addition, increased transport efficiency can contribute to reduced vehicle emissions and promote healthier, more active travel choices among residents.
Community Engagement and Advice for Road Users
Leeds City Council recognizes the inconvenience that large-scale infrastructure projects can cause for local communities. In a statement, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, expressed gratitude to the public for their patience, saying:
“We thank everyone for their ongoing patience while we continue to work hard at Dawsons Corner. We have done lots of work to try and minimise the disruption these works will create, but whatever the amount of planning there may be some delays.”
To help mitigate disruption, the project has been carefully planned, with efforts made to phase works and communicate changes effectively. Road users are reminded of the following key points:
- Check official sources, such as the Dawsons Corner project website, for up-to-date information.
- Allow extra time for journeys, particularly when traveling between Bradford and Leeds (A647) or using the A6120 outer ring road.
- Follow all posted diversion signs and instructions for alternative routes, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
The council also emphasizes the need for ongoing communication between transport authorities and the public, ensuring that travelers have access to the latest information regarding closures, diversions, and public transport adjustments. By working collectively and planning ahead, road users can help minimize the impact of these essential infrastructure improvements.
- The Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement project in Leeds is a £44 million initiative.
- Lane closures will occur at Dawsons Corner from September 8th to October 17th, with a 24/7 eastbound closure on Bradford Road.
- The project aims to improve junction alignment, promote walking and cycling, and reduce congestion and enhance safety.
- Drivers are urged to plan alternate routes and expect delays between Leeds and Bradford during the construction period.
- The improvements are expected to benefit motorists, public transport reliability, and pedestrian safety, contributing to economic growth.