Leeds City Council is launching temporary traffic signals on Otley Bridge starting January 16th to ensure pedestrian safety during crucial footway replacement work due to its deteriorating condition. The project, complicated by tree removal challenges, may lead to local traffic congestion and delays, lasting until late Autumn if a temporary footway cannot be installed.
What are the traffic impacts and safety measures for Otley Bridge during the footway replacement?
- Temporary traffic signals to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Scheduled safety inspections to monitor bridge condition.
- Possible single-lane system due to tree removal challenges.
- Impact on local traffic includes congestion and delayed journeys.
- Council exploring options, with preference for a temporary footway.
Introduction to the Otley Bridge Situation
Leeds City Council has announced the implementation of temporary traffic signals on Otley Bridge starting from this Thursday, the 16th of January. The action comes as a measure to allow pedestrians to cross the River Wharfe safely. A significant concern has been raised regarding the deteriorating condition of the pedestrian footway on the bridge. Recognizing the urgency, the footway is slated for replacement before the next winter season concludes.
Twice-weekly safety inspections have been conducted, showcasing the council’s commitment to public safety. The introduction of the temporary signals is a step towards further in-depth assessments. The council’s dedication to safety is evident, as they ensure that the footway remains open and safe for pedestrian traffic amid ongoing evaluations.
The Leeds City Council previously informed the public about their preference for installing a temporary footway during replacement works of the existing one. Unfortunately, this solution necessitates the removal of two trees prior to the bird nesting season, which begins at the end of February. The council has faced challenges in safely removing the trees, despite several attempts. Persisting difficulties may force the council to opt for a single-lane traffic system on Otley Bridge, controlled by three-way temporary traffic lights, lasting potentially until late Autumn.
Impact on Local Traffic and Community
The prospect of Otley Bridge operating under a reduced traffic flow is of particular concern to the local community. Past experiences with repair and maintenance work suggest that extended use of temporary traffic lights could significantly disrupt local traffic. The potential consequences include:
- Lengthy vehicle queues and increased congestion.
- Delayed journeys for emergency services.
- Rise in air pollution levels.
- Compromised pedestrian safety.
- Strain on the town center’s general traffic flow.
- Adverse effects on the financial health of local businesses.
- Impact on the school commute for students attending Prince Henry’s Grammar School and surrounding primary schools.
In light of these considerations, the temporary traffic lights are scheduled to be functional from the 16th of January, river levels permitting, and are expected to remain for a minimum of one week. To alleviate some of the projected traffic stress on Bridge Street, Mill Lane up to Manor Street will also be closed during this period.
It’s worth noting that a previous reduction to single-lane traffic over the New Year, intended to ensure safety during the traditional New Year’s Day swim, was a precursor to the current situation. The council is vigilantly monitoring traffic conditions, especially considering the impact of the A59 Kex Gill landslip closure, which historically leads to increased traffic in Otley.
Council’s Deliberations and Community Engagement
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport, and Sustainable Development at Leeds City Council, has voiced the challenges faced by the council. “The existing pedestrian footway continues to deteriorate and we cannot delay essential repair work,” said Councillor Pryor. The council’s engineering team has explored various options over the past year, incorporating community feedback from public consultations conducted in August of the previous year.
With significant site constraints, the council has narrowed down the feasible options to two: establishing a temporary footway or implementing temporary traffic lights. Councillor Pryor emphasized the preference for the temporary footway, citing it as “the safest and least disruptive way to carry out this essential and major engineering work.” Despite efforts to prepare for tree removal, the council has been met with hindrances, with protests playing a role in these challenges.
If the removal of the trees is unachievable by the end of February, the council will have no choice but to proceed with the less favored option of temporary traffic lights for an extended period. According to the council’s guidance, the lost trees would be compensated by planting a minimum of 13 semi-mature trees throughout Otley, including in Tittybottle Park, following community consultation.
The proposed timeline for the temporary footway, if initiated in March, spans approximately 12 weeks, aiming for completion in late spring of 2025. The existing footway would then be dismantled, with the replacement permanent footway projected to open in autumn of 2025. These plans remain subject to change based on various environmental factors and the condition of Otley Bridge post-demolition.
For detailed information on the Otley Bridge project, the public can refer to the dedicated project site, Have Your Say Today – Otley Bridge – Commonplace, which offers a comprehensive overview of the project, including frequently asked questions and a full exploration of council-considered options.
- Leeds City Council will implement temporary traffic signals on Otley Bridge starting January 16th to ensure pedestrian safety during footway replacement work.
- The project may lead to local traffic congestion and delays, potentially extending until late Autumn if tree removal challenges persist.
- Council has conducted twice-weekly safety inspections to monitor the deteriorating condition of the bridge and ensure public safety.
- The council prefers installing a temporary footway, but challenges with tree removal may force the use of a single-lane traffic system.
- The proposed timeline for the temporary footway spans approximately 12 weeks, aiming for completion in late spring of 2025, with permanent footway replacement projected for autumn 2025.